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SB 5768

Expanding eligibility for the working families' tax credit to everyone age 18 and older.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Annette Cleveland and 11 co-sponsors

SB 5768 expands Washington's Working Families' Tax Credit to all adults 18+ regardless of dependent status, significantly increasing state spending on low-income worker support.

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Bill Summary · SB 5768

Legislative bill overview

SB 5768 expands Washington State's Working Families' Tax Credit (WFTC) to include all adults age 18 and older, regardless of whether they have dependent children. Currently, the WFTC is primarily available to low-income workers with qualifying children. This change would make the refundable tax credit available to a significantly broader population of working-age adults.

Why is this important

The WFTC is one of Washington's most direct anti-poverty tools, providing cash refunds to low-income workers. Expanding it to childless adults age 18+ could increase financial support for millions of additional Washingtonians working in low-wage jobs, potentially reducing poverty and income inequality. However, the fiscal impact is substantial—this expansion would significantly increase state spending during a period of budget constraints.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and budget impact: Expanding eligibility to all adults 18+ creates major fiscal obligations; the state must identify funding sources or reduce other programs
  • Work incentives debate: Disagreement over whether expanding credits to non-parents adequately encourages employment or creates dependency
  • Priority allocation: Competition between funding this expansion versus other social programs, education, or tax relief for different groups
  • Implementation complexity: Questions about eligibility verification, income thresholds, and administrative costs for a much larger beneficiary population

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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