CalEITC + Young Child Tax Credit

CalEITC is a cash-back state tax credit for people who work and earn low pay. You can get it even if you owe no state tax, because the money comes back to you as a refund. For tax year 2025, the return you file in 2026, it is worth up to $3,756 if you earn up to $32,900 a year. Free tax prep is available, so you do not have to pay to claim it.

The amount grows with your family. For tax year 2025, the maximum is $302 with no qualifying children, $2,016 with one child, $3,339 with two children, and $3,756 with three or more, all at the same $32,900 income ceiling. To claim CalEITC, you must be at least 18 or have a qualifying child, live in California more than half the year, and have earned income between $1 and $32,900.

Two more credits stack on top. If you have a child under 6 at the end of the year and you qualify for CalEITC, the Young Child Tax Credit adds up to $1,189 for tax year 2025. The Foster Youth Tax Credit adds up to $1,189 per person, or up to $2,378 if both spouses qualify, for CalEITC-eligible filers aged 18 to 25 who were in California foster care at age 13 or older.

Unlike the federal EITC, California lets ITIN filers claim these credits. You just need a valid Social Security number or ITIN for you, your spouse, and any qualifying children. The Young Child Tax Credit can even be claimed with no earned income or a net loss up to $35,640, which helps self-employed and gig-work parents, though CalEITC itself still needs at least $1 of earned income.

To claim any of these, file a California tax return and attach form FTB 3514, or follow your e-file software's prompts. If you missed the credit in past years, you can claim it for up to four prior years by filing or amending those returns. CalFile lets you e-file free directly with the state in about 15 to 30 minutes and needs a MyFTB account. Free in-person help is available through VITA if you make about $69,000 or less, have a disability, or have limited English, mostly February through May.