Yes, it’s not too late to file your 2019 tax return. Taxpayers who are due to receive a refund won’t face a penalty for filing after the deadline, which was July 15th this year. In fact, if you haven’t filed returns for previous years either, you can still file and collect a refund for up to three years after the filing deadline of that tax year. You can find resources to file now for free online here.
In response to the economic fallout felt by millions of Americans during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government is providing individuals making $75,000 or less -- or $150,000 or less for married couples filing jointly -- with stimulus checks of $1,200, plus $500 for each qualifying child. Payments phase out above these income thresholds.
To determine who is eligible for these payments, the federal government will rely on information collected by the Internal Revenue Service through income tax returns.
In order to receive your stimulus check, you must have filed a tax return for either 2018 or 2019. Those who do will automatically receive a payment.
If you haven’t filed a tax return for either of those years, you can find online resources here to help you file safely from your home.
For those who have set up direct deposit with the IRS (in previous tax filings), the IRS will provide your stimulus check via direct deposit instead of mailing you a paper check.
If you do not have direct deposit set up with the IRS and you’ve moved to a new address since filing your most recent tax return, you should submit a change of address form in order to ensure that your check is mailed to the correct address.
Yes. During this time of great uncertainty, filing a tax return could help your family access significant cash back in tax credits.
In addition to economic stimulus payments in response to COVID-19, people who typically don’t file a tax return because their income is below the requirement could still be eligible for hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars in tax credit refunds through the California and federal Earned Income Tax Credits if they file.
To find out if you qualify for cash back through the California and federal EITC, you can use our eligibility calculator.
The California Earned Income Tax Credit is a cashback tax credit that puts money back in the pocket of hardworking Californians.
In its first year, the CalEITC boosted the income of about 385,000 people, who received close to $200 million from the credit.
In 2019, more than 2 million people claimed the credit, totaling close to $395 million.
California residents who made less than $30,000 in 2019 may be eligible for up to $8,000 in state and federal tax credits, depending on income and family size.
The Young Child Tax Credit kicks in with the first dollar you make.
Learn more about YCTCGet reminders for important dates and deadlines to claim your credit.
Due to expanded eligibility for the CalEITC in 2020, more Californians will be able to claim this credit than ever before. We have an incredible opportunity to reach them, and make sure they get the money they’ve earned.
