California Earned Income Tax Credit CalEITC
Overview
If you have low-income and work, you may qualify for CalEITC. This credit gives you a refund or reduces your tax owed.
You may qualify if:
- You’re at least 18 years old
- You have earned income within certain limits
Filing your state tax return is required to claim this credit.
Visit CalEITC4me for helpful resources.Check if you qualify
The amount 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, or any qualifying children
- Not use “married/RDP filing separate” if married
- Live in California for more than half the year
CalEITC4me can also help you find out if you’re eligible.
Sources of earned income
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 return.
| 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 |
You can also use the CalEITC4me calculator to estimate your credit.
| 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 |
How to claim
File a California income tax return.
Claim your credit
- Download, complete, and include with your California tax return: California Earned Income Tax Credit (FTB 3514)
- Follow these instructions: 2018 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.