As the cost of living continues to rise, California has introduced new stimulus payments to help alleviate financial stress for its residents.
These $1,200 checks are part of the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) program, designed to support low and moderate-income households.
Understanding the CalEITC and eligibility criteria
CalEITC, a refundable tax credit, aims to increase the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for working individuals and families with low incomes.
Established to provide additional support to those struggling financially, the program addresses the needs of the 16.4% of Californians living in poverty as of 2019.
By providing financial relief, CalEITC helps eligible families meet their basic needs and reduces poverty.
To qualify for the $1,200 California Stimulus Checks in 2024, applicants must meet specific criteria:
- Tax Filing Requirements: You must have filed your taxes for the 2020 tax year.
- Residency: You must have lived in California for more than half of the year 2020.
- Identification: You must have used an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) when filing your taxes.
- Income Limits: Your total California Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) must not exceed $75,000.
Additionally, if you are a working family or individual with an annual income up to $30,950, you might qualify for a CalEITC stimulus check of up to $3,529 for the tax year 2023.
Payments are scheduled based on when you filed your taxes:
For tax filings made between January 1st and March 1st, payments are expected after April 15th.
For tax filings made between March 2nd and April 23rd, payments will be distributed after May 1st.
Filings made after April 23rd may experience longer processing times.
Claiming the $1,200 stimulus check doesn't require a special application process.
Here's what you need to do:
- Ensure Accuracy: Make sure your tax information is current and accurately filed.
- Automatic Payments: Once your tax returns are reviewed and approved, payments will be issued automatically.
These payments can be received either by check or direct deposit, depending on what you specified in your tax return form.
While millions of Californians have already benefited from various relief payments, there are still significant unclaimed funds.
For instance, many residents have yet to activate their Middle Class Tax Refund debit cards issued in response to inflation relief efforts that started in October 2022.
If you received a debit card but haven't activated it, you can do so by calling 1-800-240-0223.
