Many older adults need or want to keep working. If you are working after age 65 and you earned $30,950 or less, you may be eligible for the CalEITC! Use our calculator to determine your eligibility and estimate your credit.
The refundable tax credit amount you can get depends on your income and household size.
- Individuals can get up to $285 from the CalEITC and up to $600 from the federal EITC.
- If you have one child, you can get up to $1,900 from the CalEITC and up to $3,995 from the federal EITC. Larger families qualify for more.
- If you have a child younger than 6 years old, you can get up to an additional $1,117 from the Young Child Tax Credit, and you can receive up to $2,000 per child from the federal Child Tax Credit (or less if you have received monthly Child Tax Credit payments).
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 $51,762 or less 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.