EITC in California
The federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is available to all eligible workers in California — worth up to $8,046 per year for families with three or more children. An estimated 1 in 5 eligible workers don't claim it. California also has the CalEITC, which adds 30% on top of your federal credit.
Federal EITC amounts (2025 tax year)
The EITC amount depends on your income and number of qualifying children. These are the federal amounts — the same in every state.
| Qualifying Children | Max Federal EITC | + California CalEITC (30%) | Total (Federal + State) | Income Limit (Single) | Income Limit (Married) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 or more | $8,046 | $2,413 | $10,459 | $59,899 | $66,819 |
| 2 | $7,152 | $2,145 | $9,297 | $55,768 | $62,688 |
| 1 | $4,328 | $1,298 | $5,626 | $49,084 | $56,004 |
| None | $649 | $194 | $843 | $19,104 | $26,214 |
Figures are for the 2025 tax year (returns filed in 2026). See IRS EITC tables for exact current-year limits. You must be age 25–64 to claim the EITC without a qualifying child.
How to claim the CalEITC
The CalEITC is claimed on your California state tax return — you do not need a separate application. If you qualify for the federal EITC, you almost certainly qualify for the CalEITC.
- File your federal return first — the federal EITC amount flows to your state return automatically in most tax software
- File your California state return at California Franchise Tax Board (ftb.ca.gov)
- Claim the CalEITC on Form FTB 3514 attached to your California state return
The CalEITC is available to ITIN filers (immigrants without a Social Security number) — unlike the federal EITC, which requires a SSN. This makes it one of the most inclusive state credits in the country.
How to claim the federal EITC in California
The federal EITC is claimed on your Form 1040 tax return — there is no separate application. File Schedule EIC if you have qualifying children.
Filing options in California:
- IRS Free File — free federal filing for income under $84,000 at irs.gov/freefile
- VITA sites in California — free in-person tax prep for income under ~$67,000. Find a site at irs.gov/vita or by calling 1-800-906-9887
- Tax software — TurboTax, H&R Block, FreeTaxUSA, and others automatically calculate the EITC from your income entries
Missed prior years? You can file amended returns and claim the EITC for up to 3 prior tax years. If you were eligible in 2022, 2023, or 2024 and didn't claim it, you can still get those credits.
Common questions about the EITC in California
Do I need children to qualify for the EITC in California?
No. Workers without qualifying children can receive up to $649 (federal) if they are ages 25–64, not claimed as a dependent by anyone else, and meet the income limits ($19,104 single / $26,214 married for 2025). California's CalEITC is also available to workers without children.
When will I receive my EITC refund in California?
By law, the IRS cannot issue EITC refunds before mid-February. If you e-file and use direct deposit, most EITC refunds arrive by early March. State refunds (if California has a state EITC) are typically issued separately, within 4–8 weeks of filing.
What counts as earned income for the EITC?
Wages, salaries, tips, and net self-employment income all count. Investment income, Social Security, unemployment, and alimony do not count as earned income. Investment income must be $11,600 or less to qualify.
Related programs to check
- SNAP in California — monthly food benefits for working families
- Medicaid in California — free or low-cost health coverage
- EITC national overview — full details on federal EITC rules
- WIC — food and nutrition support for pregnant women and young children
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