SACRAMENTO, Calif. — In late February, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a Stimulus Package that will provide a one-time "Golden State Stimulus" payment of up to $600 or $1,200 to millions of Californians who have a low income or experiencing hardship during COVID-19.
ABC10 viewers have reached out wanting to know who is exactly eligible for the state’s stimulus payment and how can they receive it. Here’s the breakdown.
Qualifications for the Golden State Stimulus payment ($600)
The California Franchise Tax Board (CFTB) website says Californians can qualify for the stimulus payment if you:
- Have filed your 2020 taxes
- Be either: A CalEITC recipient -or- an ITIN filer who made $75,000 or less (total CA AGI)
- Be a California resident on the date payment is issued
- Not be eligible to be claimed as a dependent
The deadline to file your 2020 taxes was extended from April 15 to May 17. Our ABC10 team answers your questions about filing taxes in 2021.
California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC)
A CalEITC recipient (California Earned Income Tax Credit) earns less than $30,000 a year; you must also be at least 18 years old or have a qualifying child under 6 years old.
Taxable earned income can vary including W-2 wages, self-employment, salaries, tips, or other employee wages subject to California withholding.
According to the California Franchise Tax Board, you qualify for CalEITC if you:
- 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
For a CalEITC recipient to receive a one-time payment, the state’s website says, you’ll get it after claiming the California Earned Income Tax Credit on your 2020 individual tax return, which is filed this year.
Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
An ITIN filer who made $75,000 or less (total CA AGI) is eligible for the California State Stimulus payments. “The IRS issues ITINs to individuals who are required to have a U.S. taxpayer identification number but who do not have, and are not eligible to obtain, a Social Security number (SSN) from the Social Security Administration (SSA),” according to the IRS.
If you have not used your ITIN on a federal tax return at least once in the last three years — 2017, 2018, or 2019 — the IRS says it will expire on Dec. 31, 2020. “If you need to file a tax return in 2021 and your ITIN has expired or will expire before you file in 2021, IRS recommends you submit your renewal application now to prevent potential delays in the processing of your return,” IRS says. Learn how to renew an ITIN.
For Californians who are eligible to apply for an ITIN but reluctant, Assemblywoman Wendy Carrillo, a Los Angeles Democrat, says the program is federally recognized, safe, and secure. “I would encourage anyone to consider becoming an ITIN taxpayer so that you can also receive some of the resources that are currently available amid the pandemic,” said Carrillo. Learn how to apply for an ITIN.
If you apply for an ITIN this year and meet the requirements for the Golden State Stimulus payment, you can receive the one-time payment of $600 or $1,200 when you file your 2020 taxes.
CalWORKS, SSI/SSP, and CAPI recipients
CalWORKS, SSI/SSP and Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI) recipients will automatically receive the one-time Golden Gate Stimulus payment no matter their earned income.
When you will receive the Golden State Stimulus payment
The timing of the Golden State Stimulus payment varies based on how you qualify for it.
For CalWORKS recipients, payments have already gone out.
The California Franchise Tax Board started sending payments to CalEiTC and ITIN filers on April 15. The first round of payments will go to people who filed their taxes before March 1. For people who filed a tax return later, the payments could take 45 days for direct deposit and up to 60 days for paper checks.
For recipients of SSI/SSP or CAPI, the Senate passed a bill on April 15 that would allow a third-party vendor to make the payments. Sen. Nancy Skinner's office said, "It’s our understanding that it could take about 6 weeks after the legislation is signed into law" for people to receive the payments.
Resources to help you get your stimulus payment
If you need further assistance with the Golden State Stimulus payment, the CFTB recommends calling 800-852-5711 or for those outside the U.S., 916-845-6500. You can also talk to a representative online.
File Free Federal Taxes, www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free.
