CalEITC is a cash back tax credit that puts money back into the pockets of California’s working families and individuals. The amount of tax credits and cash back refund depends on household income and family size.
Households earning less than $32,900 may be eligible for CalEITC up to $3,756 for tax year 2025.
Immigrant workers filing state taxes with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) and current and former foster youth may also be eligible for CalEITC and the Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC). An Earned Income Tax Credit calculator is available online to estimate the tax refund that may be received from CalEITC and other cash-back credits.
What Is The California Earned Income Tax Credit? (CalEITC)
It's Your Money, Get It!
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It's Your Money, Get It! ✳︎
Am I Eligible?
The amount of California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) you may receive depends on your income and family size. CalEITC may provide you with cash back or reduce any tax you owe.
To qualify for CalEITC you must meet all of the following requirements during the tax year:
You’re at least 18 years old or have a qualifying child
Have earned income of at least $1.00 and not more that $32,900
Have a valid Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for you, your spouse, and any qualifying children
Live in California for more than half the filing year
Cannot be claimed as a qualifying child of another taxpayer
Not eligible to be claimed as a dependent of another taxpayer unless you have a qualifying child
Married/registered domestic partner (RDP) filing separately filers must meet all of the following requirements:
Had a qualifying child who lived with you for more than half of the tax year, and:
You lived apart from your spouse/RDP for the last 6 months of the tax year, or
You are legally separated by state law under a written separation agreement or a decree of separate maintenance and you did not live in the same household as your spouse/RDP at the end of the tax year
You must file your state tax return to claim CalEITC. You may receive free tax help through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.
Each year, CSET helps thousands of residents prepare and file their income taxes for free through VITA.
VITA is available to individuals and families with a yearly income below $69,000. CalEITC eligibility will be reviewed with every tax return that is prepared.
How Do I Claim My Credit?
