COVID-19 has affected all of us in a number of ways, with some losing significantly more than others. The federal government has now offered its Lawful Permanent Residents and Citizens a few stimulus checks to assist with the financial troubles many have faced. Unfortunately, this has still left millions of people who have not received these stimulus checks.
Fortunately for some of those millions who live in the state of California, these people who were left behind by the federal government may be eligible to receive a one-time $600 or $1200 payment.
Who Qualifies?
This stimulus payment, called the Golden States Stimulus, will be sent out to anyone who received the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC), or who file their taxes using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
On top of that, you must have done the following:
- Filed your 2020 Taxes;
- Be a California resident on the date the payment is issued; and
- Not be eligible to be claimed as a dependent
In case you are unsure if you qualify for CalEITC, below are the requirements:
- Your taxable earned income is $30,000 or below;
- Live in California for more than half of the year; and
- Not file separately if married or in a registered domestic partnership
How Much Will You Get?
As noted above, you will be eligible for either $600 or $1200. Below is a chart outlining how you can qualify for the differing amounts:
Your status on 2020 Tax Return | Amount You Will Receive |
A CalEITC recipient | $600 |
A CalEITC recipient; File with an ITIN; AND Made $75,000 or less | $1200 |
File with an ITIN; AND Made $75,000 or less | $600 |
File a joint return; At least one of you files with an ITIN; AND Made $75,000 or less | $600 |
You file a joint return; At least one of you files with an ITIN; AND Made $75,000 or less | $1,200 |
When Can You Expect the Payment?
The timing of these payments will depend on you – they are processed only after your eligible 2020 tax returns have been processed by California’s Franchise and Tax Board (the state equivalent of the IRS).
If your tax return is set to be paid via direct deposit, you will get this payment in the same way. The state asks that you allow up to 45 days for the money to show up in your account.
If your tax return is set to be paid out via a paper check, you will also get this payment as a paper check. The state asks that you allow up to 60 days for the check to arrive at your mailing address.
Note that the Golden State Stimulus expires on November 15, 2021 and you must file taxes before October 15, 2021 in order to receive the money.
If you need further guidance or have specific questions about your immigration case, you can schedule an initial consultation with us today, don't hesitate to contact us at (949) 478-4963