Are you eligible for a California stimulus check?
This state program provides cash payments to low and moderate income individuals, regardless of immigration status.
But the stimulus checks are tied to filing a tax return. No tax return, no California stimulus check.
Mind you, this Golden State Stimulus is in addition to the federal stimulus payments. The one-time checks are either $600 or $1200. But if you’re eligible, you don’t get the money until you file a state tax return.
State tax returns are due, along with the IRS returns, on May 17th.
The California stimulus check is paid out the same way a tax refund is paid: either direct deposit to your account, or by paper check in the mail. Expect it to take 45-60 days after filing to receive the money.
But the one-time payment is ONLY made to qualifying people who file a 2020 tax return.
Who’s eligible for California stimulus checks
Families who are eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit are eligible for the Golden State Stimulus; so are those who have an ITIN and made $75,000 or less in California Adjusted Gross Income for 2020. Your immigration status makes no difference to your eligibility.
What’s the California Earned Income Tax Credit?
California adds to the help provided working individuals and families with the California Earned Income Tax Credit. The refundable tax credits range from $538 for a single person with income under $30,000 to $6660 for individuals with three children.
What’s an ITIN?
IRS issues ITINs to help individuals comply with the U.S. tax laws, and to provide a means to efficiently process and account for tax returns and payments for those not eligible for Social Security numbers. They are issued regardless of immigration status. More on ITIN
Help filing your tax return
Taxes are seldom simple. So reach out for some help.
EarnIt!KeepIt!SaveIt! in the Bay Area is ready to help for free. Their mission is to help those with modest incomes access the government support that is only available by filing a tax return. A large percentage of eligible workers miss out on the Earned Income Tax Credit.
The United Way sponsors other free tax preparation organizations , like GetYourRefund.org.
And the taxing authorities have free filing programs and free volunteer assistance as well. VITA is the IRS program. The California Franchise Tax Board offers free help here.
More than a tax refund
What’s important here is that all of the programs we’ve discussed don’t just return any taxes that have been withheld from your paycheck. They pay you cash if you’re eligible. And, you can amend earlier tax returns (or file a return for the first time) to claim the EITC.
For this pandemic year, there’s extra money for struggling people.
Get help determining which programs you qualify for and get a leg up on your family’s finances.
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