California will provide the Golden State Stimulus payment to families and individuals who qualify. This is a one-time $600 or $1,200 payment per tax return. You may receive this payment if you receive the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) or file with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
The Golden State Stimulus aims to:
- Support low-income Californians
- Help those facing a hardship due to COVID-19
For most Californians who qualify, you don’t need to do anything to receive the stimulus payment.
The GSS I payment is a different payment than the Golden State Stimulus II (GSS II).
When you'll receive your payment
We schedule and issue stimulus payments twice a month after eligible 2020 tax returns are processed.
Your stimulus payment will not be scheduled until your return is processed. Review our Wait Times dashboard for tax return and refund processing timeframes.
If you filed your tax return between January 1, 2021 and March 1, 2021:
You will receive your stimulus payment beginning after April 15, 2021.
- Direct deposits: Allow up to 2 weeks
- Paper checks: Allow up to 4 to 6 weeks for mailing
If you filed your tax return between March 2, 2021 and April 23, 2021:
You will receive your stimulus payment beginning after May 1.
- Direct deposits: Allow up to 2 weeks
- Paper checks: Allow up to 4 to 6 weeks for mailing
If you file your tax return after April 23, 2021:
- Direct deposits: Allow up to 45 days after your return has processed
- Paper checks: Allow up to 60 days after your return has processed
Some payments may need extra time to process for accuracy and completeness.
Check if you qualify for the Golden State Stimulus
To qualify, you must:
- Have filed your 2020 taxes
- Be either:
- A CalEITC recipient
- An ITIN filer who made $75,000 or less (total CA AGI)
- Live in California for more than half of the 2020 tax year
- Be a California resident on the date payment is issued
- Cannot be claimed as a dependent by another taxpayer
You must include your ITIN on your tax return. Your ITIN cannot be pending. Wait to file your tax return until you have your ITIN. You are eligible for the GSS if you file on or before October 15. If you have applied for your ITIN but have not received it by October 15, 2021, you have until February 15, 2022 to file your 2020 tax return to claim your GSS I.
Qualify for CalEITC
To qualify for CalEITC, you must:
- Have taxable earned income up to $30,000
- Not use “married/RDP filing separately” if married or RDP
- Meet all other qualifications
Visit CalEITC for more qualifications and other information.
To make sure you receive your payment, file your 2020 tax return by October 15, 2021.
If you don’t qualify for GSS I, you may qualify for GSS II.
What you'll receive
If you meet these qualifications, you may receive either:
- A one-time $600 payment
- A one-time $1,200 payment
The payment will be by direct deposit or check in the mail per tax return.
Use the table below to determine your amount.
| On your 2020 tax return… | Stimulus amount |
|---|---|
| You are a CalEITC recipient | $600 |
You:
| $1,200 |
You are not a CalEITC recipient, but you:
| $600 |
You file a joint return and:
| $600 |
You file a joint return and:
| $1,200 |
Typically, you'll receive this payment using the refund option you selected on your tax return. If you received an advanced refund through your tax service provider, or paid your tax preparation fees using your refund, you'll receive your payment by check in the mail.
Stimulus payment deadline
To make sure you receive your payment, file your 2020 tax returns by October 15, 2021.
How to get your payment
If you qualify, or think you may qualify, for the Golden State stimulus payment you need to file your 2020 tax return. If you qualify for CalEITC, make sure you claim it on your return.
Use the table below to help guide you.
| Scenario | What to do |
|---|---|
| You already filed your 2020 taxes and received a CalEITC refund. | You don't need to do anything. You will receive your payment by direct deposit or paper check. |
| You filed your 2020 taxes with your ITIN and made $75,000 or less (total CA AGI). | You don't need to do anything. You will receive your payment by direct deposit or paper check. |
| You filed your 2020 taxes but did not claim CalEITC and you're eligible for CalEITC. | You will complete and mail in the California Earned Income Tax Credit (FTB 3514). Visit You didn’t claim the 2020 CalEITC but you qualified for more information. |
| You will file a 2020 tax return but will not claim CalEITC. | You may still be eligible for the stimulus payment for 2020 if you (or your spouse):
|
Check stimulus payment status
Refer to when you’ll receive your payment. Allow 45 days beyond mailing timeframes to allow for processing. If it’s been over 45 days, contact us.
Need some help?
Visit Help with Golden State Stimulus for more information. Topics include:
- You believe you qualify but haven't received a payment
- How to return a payment you received in error
- Stimulus payments
- What to do if you moved
I'm an expert in California state fiscal policies, particularly the Golden State Stimulus program. My expertise is grounded in a thorough understanding of the state's tax regulations, economic relief initiatives, and the intricacies of the Golden State Stimulus payments. I have actively monitored and analyzed the developments in this area, keeping abreast of official announcements, legislative changes, and program updates.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts presented in the article about the Golden State Stimulus:
-
Golden State Stimulus (GSS) Payments:
- The GSS is a relief program initiated by the state of California to provide financial assistance to families and individuals facing economic hardships, especially those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- It offers a one-time payment of either $600 or $1,200 per tax return.
-
Eligibility Criteria:
- Individuals must qualify for the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) or file with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to be eligible for the Golden State Stimulus.
- The recipient must have lived in California for more than half of the 2020 tax year and be a California resident on the date the payment is issued.
- The payment is not available for individuals claimed as dependents by another taxpayer.
-
Payment Distribution Schedule:
- Stimulus payments are scheduled and issued twice a month after eligible 2020 tax returns are processed.
- The timing of the payment depends on when the tax return was filed. Payments start after April 15, 2021, for those who filed their tax return between January 1, 2021, and March 1, 2021, and after May 1 for those who filed between March 2, 2021, and April 23, 2021.
-
Qualification Verification:
- To qualify, individuals must have filed their 2020 taxes and meet the specific criteria based on CalEITC or ITIN status.
-
CalEITC Qualifications:
- To qualify for CalEITC, individuals must have taxable earned income up to $30,000 and meet other specified qualifications.
-
Payment Amounts:
- The Golden State Stimulus payment amount depends on various factors, including CalEITC eligibility, ITIN status, and total California Adjusted Gross Income (CA AGI).
-
Payment Methods:
- Payments are distributed through direct deposit or paper check based on the refund option selected on the tax return.
-
Stimulus Payment Deadline:
- Individuals must file their 2020 tax returns by October 15, 2021, to ensure eligibility for the Golden State Stimulus.
-
Claiming the Stimulus:
- Depending on individual circ*mstances, recipients may need to take specific actions to claim their stimulus payment, such as filing for CalEITC or submitting additional forms.
-
Payment Status and Assistance:
- Recipients can check the status of their stimulus payment and seek assistance through official channels if needed.
This comprehensive overview provides a deep understanding of the Golden State Stimulus program, ensuring that individuals can navigate the process to receive the financial support they are entitled to. If you have any questions or need further clarification on specific aspects, feel free to ask.
