California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC)
California joins 31 other states and the District of Columbia in adopting a state-level EITC, aptly named CalEITC, to supplement the federal EITC.
The California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) is a refundable state tax credit designed to provide financial support to low-to-moderate-income working individuals and families in California.
CalEITC is fully refundable, meaning any eligible California family who owes little or no federal tax will receive the entire amount as a refund.
For the 2025 tax year (filing in early 2026), the CalEITC offers up to $3,756 in cash back for working families and individuals with annual earnings under $32,900.
FAQ
How do I qualify for California earned income credit?
To qualify for CalEITC, you must meet the following requirements during the tax year:
- At least 18 years old or have a qualifying child
- Live in California for more than half the filing year
- Have earned income of 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
- Not be eligible to be claimed as a qualifying child of another taxpayer
- Not be eligible to be claimed as a dependent of another taxpayer unless you have a qualifying child
How much is California EITC?
For CalEITC, the maximum credit is $3,756. This amount applies to families with three or more qualifying children who earn up to $32,900. Taxpayers with no children can receive up to $302.
Review the chart below to see whether you may be eligible and how much refundable credit you could qualify for when filing your 2025 tax return.
| NO. OF CHILD | Income Limit | CalEITC | YCTC |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | $32,900 | $302 | $0 |
| 1 | $32,900 | $2,016 | $1,189 |
| 2 | $32,900 | $3,339 | $1,189 |
| 3 or more | $32,900 | $3,756 | $1,189 |
If you have a child under age 6, you may also qualify for the Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC), which could mean an additional $1,189 in your refund.
The Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC) is a refundable credit for parents or guardians with at least one child under age 6, even if they have no earned income.
Please note that credits phase in and out at different income levels. For exact results, use the CalEITC Calculator to find out how much credit you may get.
Can I get a refund if I owe no tax in California?
If your CalEITC is $3,339 and you owe $0 in state income tax, you receive the full $3,339 as a refund as illustrated in the table below:
| Sample Calculation | Amount |
|---|---|
| CalEITC | $3,339 |
| Tax Owed | $0 |
| Refundable Credit | $3,339 |
How do I claim California EITC?
To claim credit, you will need to file a California income tax return and complete an FTB 3514, Earned Income Tax Credit form (FTB 3514 Instructions) or file directly with CalFile for free with a MyFTB account.
If you are over the age of 60 and have limited income, you may get free help e-filing your tax return through the Voluntary Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program.