Dear constituent,

Both California and the federal government have an Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) that allows low-income families and individuals to get a credit or refund when they file their taxes. California has expanded access to the state's EITC program, so now more people qualify and more funding is available for direct cash refunds. 

So what's new this year?

• All full-time workers who make up to $30,000 a year are now eligible.
• A new California Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC) is also now available to parents who qualify. It provides refunds of up to $1,000 to an estimated 400,000 working families who already qualify for CalEITC. The Young Child Tax Credit is eligible to working low-income parents with at least one child younger than age 6 as of Dec. 31, 2019.

Last year, California added low-income workers between the ages of 18-25 and those over 65 to CalEITC eligibility. Also, many self-employed workers now qualify. Click here for more information and to see if you qualify.

If you qualify for California's EITC and the amount of the credit is greater than the tax you owe, you will receive a cash refund. Refunds range from $240 to $2,982, and if your family qualifies for the new YCTC, the refund amount is higher. To receive the California EITC, you must fill out Form 3514.

As mentioned, the U.S. government also offers a federal EITC. To determine eligibility for the federal EITC, please click here. Refunds for the federal EITC range from $529 to $6,557, and would be in addition to your California EITC refund, if you qualify for both.

Numerous East Bay locations are offering free tax help right now, including help to determine your eligibility for all of the EITC programs. For a list of free tax preparation and assistance services in Senate District 9, please check my Senate website, here.

You can also check the CalEITC website.

I hope this information is helpful to you. It is an honor to serve you in the state Senate.

Sincerely,

Nancy Skinner
Senator, 9th District