Scope of Work:

• Focus on eligible populations, including noncitizens who may file using an ITIN.

• Conduct Tax Credit education and outreach activities to eligible applicants.

• Promote and maximize awareness of WFTC and the federal EITC, including the purpose, benefits, eligibility criteria, filing access, and how to claim the available credit(s) via federal free tax preparation assistance programs.

• Partner with trusted organizations in the community to implement effective Tax Credit education and outreach activities.

• Encourage eligible individuals and families to file a federal tax return and a WFTC application, which includes providing information on local, free tax filing services and the Department of Revenue’s online WFTC application process, which will be available at dor.wa.gov/Working Families.

• Disseminate clear, accurate, and consistent information to Washington residents, including culturally diverse, hard-to-reach populations, and rural communities to increase awareness of the available tax credit(s), access to ITIN application assistance services, and access to free tax preparation assistance services in English, Spanish, and other languages, as applicable.

• Collect, track, and report outcomes on education, assistance, and outreach efforts by providing qualitative and quantities data to document outreach activities and strategies.

• Assist individuals and families with processing their IRS Form W-7 application for Individual Taxpayer Identification Number either through direct service, via a subcontracted or partner Internal Revenue Service (IRS) certified Acceptance Agent.

Outcomes and Performance Measurement:

The Equity Institute utilizes Airtable as our project management platform for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) in Lewis County and Grays Harbor County. We will build and maintain performance measures through Airtable to ensure we meet target goals. Detailed outcomes will be co-created with WA Commerce to ensure we set and meet realistic targets. We will build a reporting template to communicate all activities and maintain daily records.

Project Schedule:

October-November

• Establish measurable outcomes with WA Commerce

• Research eligibility requirements and develop a clear campaign, lessons, and assistance system

• Hire four to six part-time support staff across WA

• Build website

• Build project management database and client CRM in Airtable

• Develop and implement a statewide campaign in English and Spanish

• Identify trusted messengers

• Identify free tax preparation networks across the state

• Establish an outreach and education network with Valley View Health, Timberland Regional Library, and similar partners across WA, especially in western WA

• Begin outreach and assistance to people eligible for ITIN

• Begin social media campaign

• Establish education and assistance hotline

• Calendar educational program

• Create client feedback system

• Establish and implement reporting protocols

December-January

• Begin radio ads

• Implement assistance supports

• Support and maintain free tax preparation networks

• Implement educational program efforts at trusted sites

• Build outreach and education efforts with trusted messengers

• Establish client referral process

• Review client feedback and respond accordingly

• Continue reporting

February-March

• Continue all advertisement, outreach, education, and assistance efforts

• Continue educational program efforts at trusted sites

• Increase advertisement and outreach efforts to meet tax April tax deadline

• Implement client referral process

• Continue reporting

April-June

• Assess outreach, education, and assistance efforts and respond accordingly

• Review and edit all outreach and educational materials

• Respond to client feedback to improve assistance program

• Continue reporting and outcome monitoring