Golden State Stimulus

California will provide the Golden Status Stimulus payment to families and people who qualify. This is a one-time $600 or $1,200 payment. You may receive this payment if you receive the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) or file with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

The Golden State Stimulus aims to:

  • Support low-income Californians
  • Help those facing a hardship due to COVID-19

For most Californians who qualify, you don’t need to do anything to receive the stimulus payment.

Check if you qualify for the Golden State Stimulus

To qualify, you must:

  • Have filed your 2020 taxes
  • Be either:
    • A CalEITC recipient
    • An ITIN filer who made $75,000 or less (total CA AGI)
  • Be a California resident on the date payment is issued
  • Be 18 years or older as of the last date of the tax year
  • Not be eligible to be claimed as a dependent

Qualify for CalEITC

To qualify for CalEITC, you must:

  • Have taxable earned income up to $30,000
  • Not use “married/RDP filing separately” if married or RDP
  • Live in California for more than half the year
  • Meet all other qualifications

Visit CalEITC for more qualifications and other information.

To make sure you receive your payment, file your 2020 tax return by October 15, 2021.

What you'll receive

If you meet these qualifications, you may receive either:

  • A one-time $600 payment
  • A one-time $1,200 payment

The payment will be by direct deposit or check in the mail per tax return.

Use the table below to determine your amount.

Your stimulus amount
On your 2020 tax return… Stimulus amount
You are a CalEITC recipient $600
You:
  • Are a CalEITC recipient;
  • File with an ITIN; and
  • Made $75,000 or less (total CA AGI)
 $1,200
You are not a CalEITC recipient, but you:
  • File with an ITIN and
  • Made $75,000 or less (total CA AGI)
 $600
You file a joint return and:
  • At least one of you files with an ITIN
  • Made $75,000 or less (total CA AGI)
 $600
You file a joint return and:
  • You are a CalEITC recipient
  • At least one of you files with an ITIN
  • Made $75,000 or less (total CA AGI)
 $1,200

Typically, you'll receive this payment using the refund option you selected on your tax return. If you received an advanced refund through your tax service provider, you'll receive your payment by check in the mail.

When you'll receive your payment

We will issue stimulus payments monthly after eligible 2020 tax returns are processed.

  • Direct deposits: Allow up to 45 days
  • Paper checks: Allow up to 60 days

Payments are expected to begin in March 2021.

Stimulus payment deadline

The stimulus payment expires on November 15, 2021. To make sure you receive your payment, file your 2020 tax returns by October 15, 2021.

How to get your payment

If you qualify, or think you may qualify, for the Golden State stimulus payment you need to file your 2020 tax returns. If you qualify for CalEITC, make sure you claim it on your return.

Use the table below to help guide you.

Scenarios for claiming the Golden State Stimulus
Scenario What to do
You already filed your 2020 taxes and received a CalEITC refund. You don't need to do anything. You will receive your payment by direct deposit or paper check.
You filed your 2020 taxes with your ITIN and made $75,000 or less (total CA AGI). You don't need to do anything. You will receive your payment by direct deposit or paper check.
You filed your 2020 taxes but did not claim CalEITC and you're eligible for CalEITC. Amend your 2020 tax return immediately.
You will file a 2020 tax return but will not claim CalEITC. You may still be eligible for the stimulus payment for 2020 if you (or your spouse):
  • File with an ITIN and
  • Made $75,000 or less (total CA AGI)
Be sure to file your 2020 tax return no later than October 15, 2021.

Check stimulus payment status

We’ve expedited the delivery of your payment so you can receive it as quickly as possible. Refer to when you’ll receive your payment. Allow 45 days beyond mailing timeframes to allow for processing. If it’s been over 45 days, contact us.