Dear Constituent,
It's tax season again, and the good news is that both California and the federal government have important programs that can result in direct cash refunds for many families and individuals. Under these programs, you may be eligible for a credit or refund of more than $10,000, depending on your income and how many dependents you have. However, to receive a cash refund or credit, you must file your taxes by the April 18 deadline. Even if you earned little to no money last year, please file your returns, because it's the only way to benefit from these programs.
One of the tax benefit programs that both California and the federal government offer is known as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). California's program is CalEITC. Additionally, there is a both a state and federal child tax credit program. The federal government supplemental child tax credit was part of the American Rescue Plan and was only available for one year. So if you did not file a return for 2020, or you or your family gave birth or adopted a child in 2021, after you had already filed your 2020 tax return, file now so you can receive the federal supplemental child tax credit. California's separate Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC) is ongoing and provides refunds of up to $1,000 to working families who already qualify for CalEITC and have one or more child who was younger than age 6 as of Dec. 31, 2021.
Free tax help is available right now at numerous East Bay locations. This free service will help you determine your eligibility for all of the tax credit programs described above. To find a free tax preparation and assistance site near you here in Senate District 9, please check my Senate website here. You can also check the CalEITC website for locations.
Here is more information on eligibility for the state and federal tax benefit progams:
- You may qualify for CalEITC if:
- You're at least 18 years old or have a qualifying child
- You have earned income of $30,000 or less.
- You (or your spouse if filing a joint return) have a Social Security number or ITIN
- If you qualify for CalEITC and have a child under the age of 6 as of the end of the tax year, you may also qualify for CA's Young Child Tax Credit.
- You may qualify for the federal EITC if:
- You (or your spouse if filing a joint return) are at least 19 or over
- You (or your spouse if filing a joint return) and any qualifying children have a Social Security number
- You earned at least $1 of income and meet the income threshold which varies based on family size
NOTE: ITIN parents can also claim the federal Child Tax Credit for citizen children.
There are a number of additional programs and services to help people who may be short on money due to the pandemic. Please see my previous email newsletter for a list of these services, along with links that provide information on who qualifies and how to apply.
I hope this information is helpful to you. It is an honor to serve you in the state Senate.
Sincerely,
Nancy Skinner
State Senator, District
P.S. You can follow me on Facebook and Twitter for more updates from the Capitol and throughout Senate District 9.
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