The Expanded California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC), the Young Child Tax Credit and the federal EITC can combine to put hundreds or even thousands of extra dollars in your pocket. That’s money you can use for rent, school tuition, utilities, groceries and other essentials.

If you have low income and work, you may qualify for CalEITC. This credit gives you a refund or reduces your tax owed. If you qualify for CalEITC and have a child under age 6, you may also qualify for the Young Child Tax Credit. Filing your state tax return is required to claim both credits.

You may qualify for CalEITC if:

• You’re at least 18 years old or have a qualifying child.
• You have earned income within certain limits.
• The amount of CalEITC you get depends on income and family size.

You must:

• Have taxable earned income.
• Have a valid social security number or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN) for you, your spouse, and any qualifying children.
• Not use “married/RDP filing separate” if married.
• Live in California for more than half the year.

Earned income can be from:

• W-2 wages.
• Self-employment.
• Salaries, tips.
• Other employee wages subject to California withholding.

For information about CalEITC and the Young Child Tax Credit (including a calculator to determine what you would receive), go to California Earned Income Tax Credit and Young Child Tax Credit page. For information about the federal Earned Income Tax Credit, go to the IRS website.