California Earned Income Tax Credit and Young Child Tax CreditCalEITC and YCTC
Overview
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 the age of 6, you may also qualify for the Young Child Tax Credit.
Together, these state credits can put hundreds or even thousands of dollars in your pocket.
Filing your state tax return is required to claim both of these credits.
Check if you qualify for CalEITC
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 may get depends on your income and family size.
You must:
- Have taxable earned income
- Have a valid social security number 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
What you'll get
Review the chart below to see how much you may get when you file your tax year 2019 return.
| Number of qualifying children | California maximum income | CalEITC (up to) | IRS EITC (up to) |
|---|---|---|---|
| None | $30,000 | $240 | $529 |
| 1 | $30,000 | $1,605 | $3,526 |
| 2 | $30,000 | $2,651 | $5,828 |
| 3 or more | $30,000 | $2,982 | $6,557 |
The Young Child Tax Credit was introduced in tax year 2019. If you qualify for CalEITC and have a child under the age of 6 as of the end of the tax year, you may qualify for up to $1,000 through this credit.
You can also use the CalEITC4Me calculator to estimate your CalEITC, and use the CalEITC4Me tax prep finder to locate a location to get your returns done for free.
You may go back up to four years to claim CalEITC by filing or amending a state income tax return. Review the charts for past years below to see how much you could get.
| Number of qualifying children | California maximum income | CalEITC (up to) | IRS EITC (up to) |
|---|---|---|---|
| None | $16,750 | $232 | $519 |
| 1 | $24,950 | $1,554 | $3,461 |
| 2 | $24,950 | $2,559 | $5,716 |
| 3 or more | $24,950 | $2,879 | $6,431 |
| Number of qualifying children | California maximum income | CalEITC (up to) | IRS EITC (up to) |
|---|---|---|---|
| None | $15,008 | $223 | $510 |
| 1 | $22,322 | $1,495 | $3,400 |
| 2 | $22,309 | $2,467 | $5,616 |
| 3 or more | $22,302 | $2,775 | $6,318 |
| Number of qualifying children | California maximum income | CalEITC (up to) | IRS EITC (up to) |
|---|---|---|---|
| None | $6,717 | $217 | $506 |
| 1 | $10,087 | $1,452 | $3,373 |
| 2 | $14,161 | $2,406 | $5,572 |
| 3 or more | $14,161 | $2,706 | $6,269 |
| Number of qualifying children | California maximum income | CalEITC (up to) | IRS EITC (up to) |
|---|---|---|---|
| None | $6,579 | $214 | $503 |
| 1 | $9,879 | $1,428 | $3,359 |
| 2 | $13,869 | $2,358 | $5,548 |
| 3 or more | $13,869 | $2,653 | $6,242 |
Claim your credit
- Download, complete, and include with your California tax return: California Earned Income Tax Credit (FTB 3514)
- Follow these instructions: 2019 Instructions for Form FTB 3514
You can file your tax return and claim CalEITC using CalFile for free.
Get free tax preparation help
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
Prior year credit information
Tax professionals
Verify if your client qualifies
Complete and keep copies of the:
You may be subject to a $500 penalty if you don’t comply with CalEITC requirements.
Partner with us
You can help your clients by telling them about CalEITC. Get free brochures and posters from our partner CalEITC4me or email PublicAffairsOffice@ftb.ca.gov with your name, address, and the number of copies.
Why you got a letter
You may have received a notice from us if:
- We require additional documentation to process your claim
- You didn’t qualify
- We adjusted your claim
Follow the instructions on your notice or contact your tax preparer.