Earned Income Tax Credit Toolkit

Tax filing deadline extended for those affected by 2022-23 winter storms to Oct. 16, 2023. For more information, visit the FTB and IRS websites.

MCAH created this toolkit for local agencies to use to promote the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC). 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

Below is a snapshot of tax credit eligibility for state and federal tax credits. For more information regarding qualification, please encourage participants to visit Earned Income Tax Credit (IRS) and What is the EITC? (CalEITC4Me).

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
You're 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 taxpayers who speak little to no English. 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 a Social Security Number (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
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

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

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 the income you claim to receive any other public benefits. 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 the income you claim to receive any other public benefits. 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.

Social Media Library

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

Copy and paste the text to share on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. To use corresponding graphics, click on photo to enlarge the image, then right click and "save as". You will now be able to upload this higher resolution image to your social media site.