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 per tax return. 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)
- Live in California for more than half of the 2020 tax year
- Be a California resident on the date payment is issued
- Not be eligible to be claimed as a dependent
You must include your ITIN on your tax return. Your ITIN cannot be pending. Wait to file your tax return until you have your ITIN. You are eligible for the GSS if you file on or before October 15.
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
- 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.
| On your 2020 tax return… | Stimulus amount |
|---|---|
| You are a CalEITC recipient | $600 |
You:
|
$1,200 |
You are not a CalEITC recipient, but you:
|
$600 |
You file a joint return and:
|
$600 |
You file a joint return and:
|
$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, or paid your tax preparation fees using your refund, 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 anticipated to begin mid-April 2021.
Stimulus payment deadline
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 return. If you qualify for CalEITC, make sure you claim it on your return.
Use the table below to help guide you.
| 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):
|
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.