If you have low income and work, you may qualify for the California Earned Income Credit (CalEITC). This credit gives you a refund or reduces your tax owed.
If you’re 18 or older, or have a qualifying dependent (even if you are under age 18), and you made less than $30,000 in 2021, you may qualify for the CalEITC when you file your state tax return.
If you are working after age 65 and you earned $30,000 or less, you may be eligible for the CalEITC!
The amount of CalEITC you may get depends on your income and family size.
Number of children | Maximum CA income | CAL EITC (up to) | IRS EITC (up to) |
0 | $30,000 | $255 | $1,502 |
1 | $30,000 | $1,698 | $3,618 |
2 | $30,000 | $2,809 | $5,980 |
3 or more | $30,000 | $3,160 | $6,728 |
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a federal tax credit for working people who have earned income under $57,414 in 2021. Unlike the CalEITC, only people with Social Security numbers qualify.
If you file your taxes with a Social Security Number, in most cases, you will be eligible for the federal EITC if you are eligible for the CalEITC.
ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) holders are not eligible for the federal EITC. However, ITIN filers including undocumented workers are eligible for the CalEITC credit for the first time ever.