Earned Income Tax Credit

MCAH has created a toolkit for use by local agencies to promote California’s tax credits including the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC), the Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC), the Federal Earned Income Tax Credit and the Federal Child Tax Credit. These tax credits are available for families earning under $30,000 per year, including those without a Social Security Number but who may have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

Tax Credits Basic Eligibility

Earned Income Tax Credit

State - CalEITC

You're at least 18 years old or have a qualifying child
If you make $30,000 or less
You have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a Social Security Number

Federal - EITC

You're between the ages of 25 and 65
You have worked and earned income under $57,414
You must have a valid Social Security Number
Be a U.S. citizen or resident alien all year

Child Tax Credit

State - Young Child Tax Credit

If you meet the three criteria above for CalEITC
Have a child under the age of six

Federal - Child Tax Credit

Child must be under the age of 17
Qualifying child can be a son, daughter, foster child, brother, sister, stepbrother, stepsister, or a descendent of any of them

Frequently-Asked Questions

How can I claim these credits?

State

When you file your taxes, you will also need to fill out the California Earned Income Tax Credit Form 3514.

Federal

You just need to file your federal taxes. No additional form is needed.

What if I need help filing my taxes?

State

You may be able to get free tax help through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. VITA is available for people with household incomes up to $57,000, people with disabilities and limited English-speaking taxpayers.

Federal

You may be able to get free tax help through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. VITA is available for people with household incomes up to $57,000, people with disabilities and limited English-speaking taxpayers.

What if I have an ITIN instead of a Social Security Number?

State

That’s OK. Starting in 2021, Californians who file their taxes with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), including undocumented Californians, can qualify for the CalEITC and YCTC.

Federal

Please note, people with ITINs are not eligible for the federal tax credits. You will need an SSN.

How can I find out how much extra cash I will receive through these tax credits?

State

The amount you get depends on your household status, income and family size. For California tax credits, you can visit caleitc4me.org/earn-it to get an estimate of how much you will get back.

Federal

The amount you get depends on your household status, income and family size. For federal tax credits, you can visit https://bit.ly/IRS-earn-it to get an estimate of how much you will get back.

I don’t need to file my taxes. Can I still be eligible for the tax credits?

State

Yes, you still need to file your taxes. Even if you aren’t required to file your taxes because your income is below the threshold, you may still benefit from these tax credits, but you will need to file your taxes.

Federal

Yes, you still need to file your taxes. Even if you aren’t required to file your taxes because your income is below the threshold, you may still benefit from these tax credits, but you will need to file your taxes

If I'm a student and my parents claim me as a dependent on their taxes, am I eligible for EITC?

State

No. If your parents claim you as a dependent, you’re not eligible for these credits.

Federal

No. If your parents claim you as a dependent, you’re not eligible for these credits.

Will my benefits (such as CalWORKs, CalFresh, or disability) count as income?

State

No. Claiming tax credits will not affect any other public benefits you receive. Tax credits like the CalEITC and federal EITC aren’t considered public benefits under the U.S. Citizenship and Immigrations Services public charge rule.

Federal

No. Claiming tax credits will not affect any other public benefits you receive. Tax credits like the CalEITC and federal EITC aren’t considered public benefits under the U.S. Citizenship and Immigrations Services public charge rule.

If I’m protected by the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, am I eligible for EITC?

State

Yes, if you meet the other qualifications. If you participate in DACA and have a valid SSN, you can use that number to claim any of these credits. If you have not applied for a SSN, but have an ITIN, you can use an ITIN to claim the California state tax credits.

Federal

Yes, if you meet the other qualifications. If you participate in DACA and have a valid SSN, you can use that number to claim these credits.

MCAH offers a variety of prewritten messages to help raise awareness about the earned income tax credit.

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