Frequently Asked Questions

You must have a valid Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for you, your spouse, and any qualifying children.

If you file your taxes with a Social Security Number (SSN), in most cases, you will be eligible for the federal EITC if you are eligible for the CalEITC. The federal EITC income limits are different than CalEITC income limits: 

• If you are between the ages of 25 and 65, are single and have no dependents, you must make less than $19,104 to qualify for the federal EITC. 
• If you are married filing jointly, are between the ages of 25 and 65, and have no dependents, you must make $26,214 or less to qualify for the federal EITC. If you have qualifying children and qualify for the CalEITC, you may also qualify for the federal EITC. 

Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) holders are not eligible for the federal EITC, however ITIN filers are eligible for the CalEITC. Learn more about eligibility at FTB.

Yes, self-employed workers and independent contractors with 1099 income are eligible for the CalEITC as long as their net earnings fall within the state limits. Read more about eligibility at FTB.

Yes. If you have both W2 wages and 1099 self-employment income, you’re still eligible for CalEITC as long as their net earnings fall within the state limits.

To protect yourself from fraud, you can get your taxes done by a certified tax preparer. Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) preparation is free. VITA services typically begin February 1st.

You can use our free tax preparation locator to find a site near you.

No. Claiming tax credits will not affect any of the other public benefits you might receive. Tax credits, like the CalEITC and EITC, are not considered public benefits under the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services public charge rule. Read more about public benefits.

Yes. A criminal history does not affect your eligibility for the EITC, CalEITC, or Young Child Tax Credit.

Below are common documents you may need to file your tax return, depending on your individual situation:

• Current photo identification
• Social Security cards or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) forms for you and your family
• Prior year’s tax returns (if available)
• Voided check or bank statement to direct deposit your return
• Wages from each job (W-2)
• Interest (Form 1099-INT)

Below are other less common forms you may need to file your tax return, depending on your individual situation

• Advance Child Tax Credit (IRS Letter 6419) 
• Your Third Economic Impact Payment (IRS Letter 6475)
• Health Insurance - Form 1095-A and/or 1095-B
• Unemployment compensation or certain state/local refunds - Form 1099-G
• Education expenses - Form 1098-T

If you qualify for the EITC, you are eligible to file for free and to receive no-cost in-person tax help through Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA). Even if you aren’t eligible for the EITC, VITA is available for people with household incomes up to $69,000, people with disabilities, and taxpayers who speak limited English.

If you want to claim the EITC, you must file a tax return. Even if you owe back taxes, you may still be eligible for the EITC for any tax year in which you meet the eligibility requirements.

Yes, historically and under standard rules, DACA recipients with a valid work-authorized Social Security Number (SSN) have been eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) if they meet all other income and filing requirements. Note: new federal policy proposals may restrict this access.

No. If your parents claim you as a dependent, you are not eligible for the EITC.

The only way to get the federal and/or state EITC is to file your tax returns. So yes, you need to file your taxes to get the EITC.

No, if you or your spouse has an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), they can’t claim the federal EITC.