The CalEITC and the Young Child Tax Credit are state tax credits for working Californians.
If you qualify, you may see a reduced tax bill or a bigger refund.
Am I Eligible?
You may qualify for the CalEITC (California Earned Income Tax Credit) if:
- You’re at least 18 years old or have a qualifying child
- Your earned income is between $1–$32,900 during Tax Year 2025
- You have a valid Social Security Number or ITIN for you, your spouse, and any qualifying children
- You live in California for more than half the filing year
I am 18+ or in college
If you are 18 or older, earning $32,900 or less each year, and filing your own taxes (not someone else’s dependent), you may be eligible for the CalEITC.
If you are a parent, you may qualify for a bigger credit. If your child is younger than 6 years old, you can also qualify for an additional Young Child Tax Credit.
If you’re a student or paying off student debt, you may also qualify for education tax benefits.
I am Self-Employed
People who are self-employed can take advantage of tax credits. If you are in business for yourself and earned less than $32,900 in 2025, you may qualify for the CalEITC.
The amount of your refundable tax credit depends on your income and the size of your family.
I am 65+
If you are working after age 65 and you earned $32,900 or less, you may be eligible for the CalEITC.
The refundable tax credit amount you can get depends on your income and household size.
You may also qualify for other state tax credits and benefits:
- If you’re 65 or older, you can claim an extra state tax exemption.
- If you’re 62 or older with an annual income of less than $55,181, you can apply to defer payment of property taxes on their principal residence. Learn more here.
- You may be eligible for CalFresh food assistance and other public benefits.
- If you’re 65 or older, you may qualify for a federal tax credit.
In order to receive any tax credits, you must file your taxes. Older Californians also qualify for free tax help across the state:
- AARP Foundation Tax-Aide offers free tax preparation and has more than 5,000 locations in neighborhood libraries, malls, banks, community centers, and senior centers annually during the filing season. Visit AARP.org/TaxAide or call 888-OUR-AARP (888-687-2277) for more information.
- Tax Counseling for the Elderly offers free tax help to individuals who are age 60 or older.
I am Unemployed
If you are one of the millions of Californians receiving unemployment insurance payments each year, you could qualify for the federal EITC and CalEITC if you worked at any point in 2025.
The refundable tax credit amount you can get depends on your income and the size of your family.
Calculate your tax credit.
How much did you earn from your California job(s) in 2025? 
Get Help Filing Your Taxes
Whether you prefer to file your taxes from your home or in-person, help is available.
- From home: File from the convenience of home with GetYourRefund, a certified virtual service.
- In person: Meet with a certified tax preparer at one of many VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) locations statewide.
Young Child Tax Credit
If you qualify for CalEITC and have a child under the age of 6, you may also qualify for an additional refundable tax credit. If you qualify, you may see a reduced tax bill or a bigger refund.