Foster Youth Tax CreditFYTC
Overview
For tax year 2023, the Foster Youth Tax Credit (FYTC) provides up to $1,117 per eligible individual or up to $2,234 if both primary taxpayer and spouse/RDP qualify. FYTC may provide you with cash back or reduce any tax you owe.
Current and former foster youth must meet all of the following requirements:
- Qualify for the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC)
- Were ages 18 to 25 at the end of the tax year
- Were in foster care at age 13 or older and placed through the California foster care system
- Claim the credit on the 2023 FTB 3514 form, California Earned Income Tax Credit, or follow the instructions on your tax software
- Satisfy foster care verification requirement
Verify your foster youth status
Your foster youth status will be verified in one of three ways:
- Check the consent box on line 33 of the FTB 3514 form, or follow the instructions specific to your tax software. Providing this consent allows the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) to attempt to verify your foster youth status using a statewide database.
- Add your foster youth verification letter when paper filing, or upload the letter (if possible) when e-filing.
- If neither option one or two of this list applies, FTB will mail you a letter requesting that you provide verification.
Check if you qualify
Visit our CalEITC homepage to learn more about this credit, related credits you may qualify for, and to use our EITC calculator to estimate your credit.
How to claim
Filing your state tax return is required to claim this credit.
You may claim FYTC for tax year 2022 forward by filing or amending your state income tax return.
Download, complete, and include with your California tax return:
Foster youth status questions
For questions on your status as a foster youth at or after age 13, contact CDSS.
Weekdays, 8AM to 5PM
cdss.osi@dss.ca.gov (out-of-state inquiries)
744 P Street
Sacramento, CA 95814