Tax Day 2025: How to get last-minute help and WA-specific tax credits

Even with major shake-ups at the Internal Revenue Service, a tax expert’s advice is the same: File your taxes and do it on time by April 15, Tax Day.

With the IRS facing severe layoffs, fewer staff at the agency could mean less help available to file your taxes and delayed refunds.

Still, “people should look at this tax season just like they have looked at every other tax season,” said Ryan McFerran, a program manager at United Way of King County. The organization for years has helped residents file taxes for free.

Nearly a quarter of Americans file their taxes in April and 5% wait until May or later to do so, according to a survey from financial firm IPX 1031. If you’re one of those last-minute filers, there are a few things you should know as you get started.

Washington-specific tax and credit

Washington workers and their families can get an additional tax refund of up to $1,290 through the state’s Working Families Tax Credit if they qualify.

You would need to have claimed the federal Earned Income Tax Credit on your 2024 tax return and be 25 to 65 years old or have a qualifying child. You can apply at workingfamiliescredit.wa.gov.

A small number of Washington residents will need to file a capital gains tax return by April 15.

Tax help is available online

You can file simple tax returns for free with IRS Free File or with companies like Intuit, TaxAct, H&R Block and more.

Residents in Washington and 24 other U.S. states can file their taxes for free with IRS Direct File. Though Tax Day is April 15, Direct File will be open until Oct. 15 for anyone who has requested additional time to file.

IRS also offers MilTax for all military members and some veterans.

PIM Savvy, in partnership with the Washington State Department of Revenue and the IRS, offers virtual tax help for Washington residents who qualify for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance as well as in-person appointments for people in King and Snohomish counties. 

The program notes on its website that all appointments are booked through April 15. However, appointments will be added after that date, according to the website.

Those who can’t file 2024 taxes by April 15 can request an extension through Oct. 15 using IRS Free File.

Online tax help is also accessible for some through MyFreeTaxes.com in partnership with H&R Block and the United Way. 

Qualified taxpayers can get help in person for free

Taxes can be complicated and stressful, but there are experts who can help. 

IRS offers Tax Counseling for the Elderly for those 60 and older; tax consultants for all military members and some veterans; and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance for people with low income (those who generally make $67,000 or less), who have disabilities or who don’t speak English. 

AARP offers Foundation Tax-Aide with sites throughout Washington state and the country.

You can visit a number of Seattle Public Library or King County Library System sites to get tax help as well, courtesy of the United Way of King County and AARP. 

Individuals who make less than $80,000 (or less than $96,000 for non-single filers) can get help from trained volunteers at two Seattle Public Library locations with United Way. The Central Library in downtown Seattle and South Park Branch library have drop-in tax help during certain windows through April 19.

AARP offers help with certain income limits at 10 more library locations. Before you attend, brush up on what forms and documents to bring, including photo ID, Social Security card and proof of income such as W-2s.

Seattle Public Library on its website said it might not have certain tax forms and instruction booklets handy because of federal budget cuts, noting those documents could be ordered online at irs.gov/orderforms.

Facilities in Snohomish County are also offering appointments to help with taxes. Check st.news/snocotax for information.

McFerran advised taxpayers to avoid the lines and visit United Way tax sites during the weekdays.

Some other United Way sites are less crowded during peak hours, such as Seattle’s LGBTQ+ Center, Solid Ground, West Seattle Food Bank, Hopelink Redmond, Jubilee REACH and HealthPoint Sunset Neighborhood Center.

How to keep an eye out for tax returns and refunds

Even against the backdrop of looming cuts at the IRS, people — especially those with low income — should file their taxes, as they could get refunds, McFerran said. 

You might have a substantial refund on the way in those tax returns. The average federal income tax return refund for this year is $3,170 as of March 28.

Returns usually arrive within about three weeks, but if you’re feeling antsy, you can track your refund with Where’s My Refund? within 24 hours of filing electronically. 

File your taxes by the deadline, but if you don’t file in time, it’s not the end of the world, McFerran said. But there will be some penalties involved unless you request an extension.

For late filers, United Way will reopen its tax help sites at the Downtown Seattle Library and Southcenter Mall from May through July.