What is the EITC?
Earned Income Tax Credits are tax credits for working people who have earned a low to moderate income. If you qualify, you may be eligible to receive a cash refund or reduce the amount of tax you owe.
The federal Earned Income Tax Credit, or EITC, depends on your income and family size.
The California Earned Income Tax Credit, or CalEITC, is an additional tax credit for working Californians.
CalEITC for tax year 2025
| Qualifying Children | Max 2025 Income | CalEITC | Young Child Tax Credit | Foster Youth Tax Credit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | $32,900 | $302 | not eligible | $1,189 |
| 1 | $32,900 | $2,016 | $1,189 | $1,189 |
| 2 | $32,900 | $3,339 | $1,189 | $1,189 |
| 3 or more | $32,900 | $3,756 | $1,189 | $1,189 |
Federal EITC for tax year 2025
| Qualifying Children | 2025 Maximum Income (Filing Single) | 2025 Maximum Income (Filing Married) | EITC up to |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | $19,104 | $26,214 | $649 |
| 1 | $50,434 | $57,554 | $4,328 |
| 2 | $57,310 | $64,430 | $7,152 |
| 3 or more | $61,555 | $68,675 | $8,046 |
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.