Are you still waiting for your California inflation relief payment? The Franchise Tax Board is still sending out Middle Class Tax Refund debit cards for some Californians.The FTB delayed the timeline for when debit card recipients whose address has changed since filing their 2020 tax return. Those payments are being issued between Jan. 30 and Feb. 14, the FTB said. When asked how many people that impacts, spokesperson Andrew LePage said the FTB could not provide a specific count, but "the vast majority" of MCTR payments will have been issued to eligible recipients by the end of January. "The number of remaining payments to be issued after Jan. 31 will be relatively small and will be due to uncommon circ*mstances, including FTB receiving an updated address to deliver the payment," he said. The FTB had previously said it expected about 90% of direct deposits to be issued in October and 95% of all MCTR payments — direct deposit and debit cards — by the end of 2022. | MORE | California's inflation relief debit cards are supposed to have chip tech. So why don't they? As of Jan. 13, more than 31 million California taxpayers and their dependents have benefited from the payments, according to the Franchise Tax Board. The state has issued more than 7 million direct deposit payments and 9.4 million debit cards worth more than $9 billion. Leer en español The inflation relief payments were promised last year to help with increased gas and cost of living prices. The state Legislature and governor agreed to send Californians who file income tax in the state making less than $500,000 a year payments between $200 and $1,050 depending on income and family size.There have been issues with the debit cards, however. Some people have reached out to KCRA 3, saying they were unable to use their cards because the funds were drained. Lawmakers encourage anyone with those issues to contact their state senator or assembly member. Video below: Who to call with questions on inflation relief paymentsWho is eligible for inflation relief payments? Recipients must have filed their 2020 tax return by Oct. 15, 2021, have met certain income limits (see below), were not claimed as a dependent in the 2020 tax year, and were California residents for six months or more of the 2020 tax year. You must also be a California resident on the date the payment is issued. Those who applied for an individual taxpayer identification number but who did not receive it by Oct. 15, 2021, must have filed their 2020 tax return by Feb. 15, 2022. Where can I estimate my inflation relief payment amount? You can use this online tool to estimate how much money you should receive. Eligibility is based on 2020 tax filings.How to get California inflation relief checksThe payments are distributed through direct deposits and mailed debit cards.| RELATED | Did you get a Middle Class Tax Refund debit card? Here's how to use it, avoid feesWho will receive a direct deposit payment and when will it arrive? Eligible Californians who received the Golden State Stimulus and who filed their tax return electronically, and received their tax refund through direct deposit, had payments issued to their bank accounts from Oct. 7 through Nov. 14, according to state officials.The last batch of payments for those accounts that required additional review went out from Dec. 17 to Jan. 14.Who should expect to get a mailed debit card? Some people who might have thought they would get a direct deposit will actually be receiving a debit card through the mail. People will receive a debit card in the mail if they filed a paper return, had a balance due, received their Golden State Stimulus by check, received their tax refund by check, received their 2020 tax refund by direct deposit but have since changed their bank or bank account number, or received an advance payment from their tax service provider or paid tax preparer fees using their tax refund. People should allow up to two weeks from the issue date to receive their card in the mail. | MORE | California inflation relief: Is your private information being sold to marketing companies?| MORE | Thieves are draining California's Middle Class Tax Refund debit cards. Here's whyWhat if I moved since filing my 2020 tax return? Will I still get a MCTR debit card? The FTB says that it will use the best available address to provide the taxpayer with their payment for those who are eligible for the mailed debit cards."For example, if the taxpayer provided FTB a new address when they filed their 2021 tax return, FTB would use that address for purposes of their MCTR payment," a spokesperson said. Those debit cards are going out for people who changed their address from Jan. 30, 2023, through Feb. 14. What if I was supposed to receive a direct deposit but I changed my banking information since filing taxes?You'll receive a debit card payment through the mail from Dec. 17, 2022, through Jan. 14, 2023.The Franchise Tax Board has released this schedule for when people will be mailed debit cardsGSS I or II check recipients (last name beginning with A – E): Oct. 24, 2022, through Nov. 5, 2022GSS I or II check recipients (last name beginning with F – M): Nov. 6, 2022, through Nov. 19, 2022GSS I or II check recipients (last name beginning with N – V): Nov. 20, 2022, through Dec. 3, 2022GSS I or II check recipients (last name beginning with W – Z): Dec. 4, 2022, through Dec. 10, 2022Non-GSS recipients (last name beginning with A – K): Dec. 5, 2022, through Dec. 17, 2022. Non-GSS recipients (last name beginning with M – Z): Dec. 19, 2022, through Dec. 31, 2022.Direct deposit recipients who have changed their banking information since filing their 2020 tax return: Dec. 17, 2022, through Jan. 14, 2023. Debit card recipients whose address has changed since filing their 2020 tax return: Jan. 30 through Feb. 14, 2023. The Franchise Tax Board says to allow up to two weeks from the dates above to receive the debit cards. How much money will I get from this refund?How much you receive will depend on your California-adjusted gross income, as well as how many dependents you have.Taxpayers receive either $350, $250 or $200 based on their income level, with an additional payment of the same amount if they have at least one dependent.Tier 1: Single filers who make less than $75,000 would get $350. Joint filers with an income under $150,000 receive $700. If they have at least one dependent, they will receive an additional $350.So, for example, that means a married couple earning $100,000 per year with one child gets $1,050.About 82% of the state's beneficiaries are in this income level.Tier 2: Single filers who make $75,001 to $125,000 would get $250. Joint filers with an income between $150,001 and $250,000 would receive $500. If they have at least one dependent, they will receive an additional $250.About 12% of beneficiaries are in this tier.Tier 3: Single filers who make $125,001 to $250,000 would get $200. Joint filers who make between $250,001 and $500,000 would receive $400. If they have at least one dependent, they will receive an additional $200.About 6% of beneficiaries are in this tier.What if I did not file a 2020 tax return?Most who did not file a tax return in 2020 are not eligible for the payment. But the state is also increasing assistance to these programs:Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Payment (SSI/SSP) recipients: The SSI/SSP program is for seniors who are ages 65 or older, or blind or disabled. A budget proposal would have increased SSP grants by about a maximum of $39 per month ($470 for the year) for individuals and $100 per month ($1,200 for the year) for couples starting in 2024. KCRA 3 has confirmed that the final budget that was approved split the increases in half to take place over two years starting in January 2023. In all, the increases affect 1.1 million cases.CalWORKS grant recipients: CalWORKS is a program that provides cash and services to eligible families with a child or children in the home. Combined with previously announced increases, a family of three could receive as much as $194 more a month. The increases affect about 369,000 households.My only source of income is federal Social Security payments, so I don’t file taxes. Do I still qualify?Seniors who do not file taxes because they only receive Social Security payments and others who don't file taxes do not qualify for the refund.However, they may still be eligible for other types of increased assistance like rent relief, and utility assistance, according to H.D. Palmer, a spokesperson for California’s Department of Finance.| READ MORE | Here's why some seniors won't get payments from California's 'inflation relief' programs| READ MORE | 'I feel cheated': California seniors disappointed they're left out of state's inflation relief package| READ MORE | Some disabled Californians say they're left out of new inflation relief program, want answersWhat if I should have received my debit card by now but haven't?The FTB says that if it's been two weeks since the issue date, here is what to do. First, double-check on the FTB's website that you meet the eligibility requirements based on your 2020 tax return. If that's the case, you can call Money Network's customer service line at 1-800-542-9332 to speak with an agent from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT on weekdays. "We advise people to call the Money Network customer service line as early as possible," LePage said. He said that FTB has been working with Money Network to address issues with people haveing trouble speaking to a representative about their issues. "The vendor has made enhancements to its customer service phone lines and has hired additional staff to answer a higher volume of calls," LePage said. Wait times are typically the shortest on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Do I have to pay taxes on the Middle Class Tax Refund? The Middle Class Tax Refund payment is not taxable for California state income tax purposes. However, the MCTR payments may be considered federal income.FTB says: "As such, a 1099-MISC for MCTR payments of $600 or more will be issued. It should not be presumed that because a taxpayer did not get a 1099-MISC, their payment is not subject to federal tax."What should I do if I suspect fraud with my Middle Class Tax Refund Payment?FTB says you should take these steps: "Money Network is the state's vendor handling the MCTR debit cards and is responsible for processing MCTR debit card fraud claims. Anyone reporting potential MCTR debit card fraud should call Money Network immediately at 800-240-0223, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.Call 800-240-0223, enter your language preference and then the card number and the pin they set up.From the menu, select Option 1 "To Activate, Customer Service, and Main Menu." The balance will be stated to the caller, and they can either press 1 to repeat or 2 to "continue."Press 2 to continue.On the next menu, Select Option 6 for "new or existing dispute." Caller will be transferred to an agent to intake the claim.Timeframe: Review and verification of the activity being either a fraudulent activity or a malfunction with the funding of the card can take 45 to 90 days." What if I have other questions?You can call the 1-800-542-9332 customer service line. You can also chat online here.
Are you still waiting for your California inflation relief payment?
The Franchise Tax Board is still sending out Middle Class Tax Refund debit cards for some Californians.
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The FTB delayed the timeline for when debit card recipients whose address has changed since filing their 2020 tax return. Those payments are being issued between Jan. 30 and Feb. 14, the FTB said.
When asked how many people that impacts, spokesperson Andrew LePage said the FTB could not provide a specific count, but "the vast majority" of MCTR payments will have been issued to eligible recipients by the end of January.
"The number of remaining payments to be issued after Jan. 31 will be relatively small and will be due to uncommon circ*mstances, including FTB receiving an updated address to deliver the payment," he said.
The FTB had previously said it expected about 90% of direct deposits to be issued in October and 95% of all MCTR payments — direct deposit and debit cards — by the end of 2022.
| MORE | California's inflation relief debit cards are supposed to have chip tech. So why don't they?
As of Jan. 13, more than 31 million California taxpayers and their dependents have benefited from the payments, according to the Franchise Tax Board.
The state has issued more than 7 million direct deposit payments and 9.4 million debit cards worth more than $9 billion.
The inflation relief payments were promised last year to help with increased gas and cost of living prices. The state Legislature and governor agreed to send Californians who file income tax in the state making less than $500,000 a year payments between $200 and $1,050 depending on income and family size.
There have been issues with the debit cards, however. Some people have reached out to KCRA 3, saying they were unable to use their cards because the funds were drained. Lawmakers encourage anyone with those issues to contact their state senator or assembly member.
Video below: Who to call with questions on inflation relief payments
Who is eligible for inflation relief payments?
Recipients must have filed their 2020 tax return by Oct. 15, 2021, have met certain income limits (see below), were not claimed as a dependent in the 2020 tax year, and were California residents for six months or more of the 2020 tax year. You must also be a California resident on the date the payment is issued.
Those who applied for an individual taxpayer identification number but who did not receive it by Oct. 15, 2021, must have filed their 2020 tax return by Feb. 15, 2022.
Where can I estimate my inflation relief payment amount?
You can use this online tool to estimate how much money you should receive. Eligibility is based on 2020 tax filings.
How to get California inflation relief checks
The payments are distributed through direct deposits and mailed debit cards.
| RELATED | Did you get a Middle Class Tax Refund debit card? Here's how to use it, avoid fees
Who will receive a direct deposit payment and when will it arrive?
Eligible Californians who received the Golden State Stimulus and who filed their tax return electronically, and received their tax refund through direct deposit, had payments issued to their bank accounts from Oct. 7 through Nov. 14, according to state officials.
The last batch of payments for those accounts that required additional review went out from Dec. 17 to Jan. 14.
Who should expect to get a mailed debit card?
Some people who might have thought they would get a direct deposit will actually be receiving a debit card through the mail.
People will receive a debit card in the mail if they filed a paper return, had a balance due, received their Golden State Stimulus by check, received their tax refund by check, received their 2020 tax refund by direct deposit but have since changed their bank or bank account number, or received an advance payment from their tax service provider or paid tax preparer fees using their tax refund.
People should allow up to two weeks from the issue date to receive their card in the mail.
| MORE | California inflation relief: Is your private information being sold to marketing companies?
| MORE | Thieves are draining California's Middle Class Tax Refund debit cards. Here's why
What if I moved since filing my 2020 tax return? Will I still get a MCTR debit card?
The FTB says that it will use the best available address to provide the taxpayer with their payment for those who are eligible for the mailed debit cards.
"For example, if the taxpayer provided FTB a new address when they filed their 2021 tax return, FTB would use that address for purposes of their MCTR payment," a spokesperson said.
Those debit cards are going out for people who changed their address from Jan. 30, 2023, through Feb. 14.
What if I was supposed to receive a direct deposit but I changed my banking information since filing taxes?
You'll receive a debit card payment through the mail from Dec. 17, 2022, through Jan. 14, 2023.
The Franchise Tax Board has released this schedule for when people will be mailed debit cards
- GSS I or II check recipients (last name beginning with A – E): Oct. 24, 2022, through Nov. 5, 2022
- GSS I or II check recipients (last name beginning with F – M): Nov. 6, 2022, through Nov. 19, 2022
- GSS I or II check recipients (last name beginning with N – V): Nov. 20, 2022, through Dec. 3, 2022
- GSS I or II check recipients (last name beginning with W – Z): Dec. 4, 2022, through Dec. 10, 2022
- Non-GSS recipients (last name beginning with A – K): Dec. 5, 2022, through Dec. 17, 2022.
- Non-GSS recipients (last name beginning with M – Z): Dec. 19, 2022, through Dec. 31, 2022.
- Direct deposit recipients who have changed their banking information since filing their 2020 tax return: Dec. 17, 2022, through Jan. 14, 2023.
- Debit card recipients whose address has changed since filing their 2020 tax return: Jan. 30 through Feb. 14, 2023.
The Franchise Tax Board says to allow up to two weeks from the dates above to receive the debit cards.
How much money will I get from this refund?
How much you receive will depend on your California-adjusted gross income, as well as how many dependents you have.
Taxpayers receive either $350, $250 or $200 based on their income level, with an additional payment of the same amount if they have at least one dependent.
Tier 1: Single filers who make less than $75,000 would get $350. Joint filers with an income under $150,000 receive $700. If they have at least one dependent, they will receive an additional $350.
So, for example, that means a married couple earning $100,000 per year with one child gets $1,050.
About 82% of the state's beneficiaries are in this income level.
Tier 2: Single filers who make $75,001 to $125,000 would get $250. Joint filers with an income between $150,001 and $250,000 would receive $500. If they have at least one dependent, they will receive an additional $250.
About 12% of beneficiaries are in this tier.
Tier 3: Single filers who make $125,001 to $250,000 would get $200. Joint filers who make between $250,001 and $500,000 would receive $400. If they have at least one dependent, they will receive an additional $200.
About 6% of beneficiaries are in this tier.
What if I did not file a 2020 tax return?
Most who did not file a tax return in 2020 are not eligible for the payment. But the state is also increasing assistance to these programs:
- Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Payment (SSI/SSP) recipients: The SSI/SSP program is for seniors who are ages 65 or older, or blind or disabled. A budget proposal would have increased SSP grants by about a maximum of $39 per month ($470 for the year) for individuals and $100 per month ($1,200 for the year) for couples starting in 2024. KCRA 3 has confirmed that the final budget that was approved split the increases in half to take place over two years starting in January 2023. In all, the increases affect 1.1 million cases.
- CalWORKS grant recipients: CalWORKS is a program that provides cash and services to eligible families with a child or children in the home. Combined with previously announced increases, a family of three could receive as much as $194 more a month. The increases affect about 369,000 households.
My only source of income is federal Social Security payments, so I don’t file taxes. Do I still qualify?
Seniors who do not file taxes because they only receive Social Security payments and others who don't file taxes do not qualify for the refund.
However, they may still be eligible for other types of increased assistance like rent relief, and utility assistance, according to H.D. Palmer, a spokesperson for California’s Department of Finance.
| READ MORE | Here's why some seniors won't get payments from California's 'inflation relief' programs
| READ MORE | 'I feel cheated': California seniors disappointed they're left out of state's inflation relief package
| READ MORE | Some disabled Californians say they're left out of new inflation relief program, want answers
What if I should have received my debit card by now but haven't?
The FTB says that if it's been two weeks since the issue date, here is what to do.
First, double-check on the FTB's website that you meet the eligibility requirements based on your 2020 tax return. If that's the case, you can call Money Network's customer service line at 1-800-542-9332 to speak with an agent from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT on weekdays.
"We advise people to call the Money Network customer service line as early as possible," LePage said.
He said that FTB has been working with Money Network to address issues with people haveing trouble speaking to a representative about their issues.
"The vendor has made enhancements to its customer service phone lines and has hired additional staff to answer a higher volume of calls," LePage said.
Wait times are typically the shortest on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
Do I have to pay taxes on the Middle Class Tax Refund?
The Middle Class Tax Refund payment is not taxable for California state income tax purposes. However, the MCTR payments may be considered federal income.
FTB says: "As such, a 1099-MISC for MCTR payments of $600 or more will be issued. It should not be presumed that because a taxpayer did not get a 1099-MISC, their payment is not subject to federal tax."
What should I do if I suspect fraud with my Middle Class Tax Refund Payment?
FTB says you should take these steps:
"Money Network is the state's vendor handling the MCTR debit cards and is responsible for processing MCTR debit card fraud claims. Anyone reporting potential MCTR debit card fraud should call Money Network immediately at 800-240-0223, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Call 800-240-0223, enter your language preference and then the card number and the pin they set up.
From the menu, select Option 1 "To Activate, Customer Service, and Main Menu." The balance will be stated to the caller, and they can either press 1 to repeat or 2 to "continue."
Press 2 to continue.
On the next menu, Select Option 6 for "new or existing dispute." Caller will be transferred to an agent to intake the claim.
Timeframe: Review and verification of the activity being either a fraudulent activity or a malfunction with the funding of the card can take 45 to 90 days."
What if I have other questions?
You can call the 1-800-542-9332 customer service line. You can also chat online here.
As a financial expert with extensive knowledge in taxation and government relief programs, I can confidently provide insights into the California inflation relief payments, specifically the Middle Class Tax Refund (MCTR) program administered by the Franchise Tax Board (FTB). My expertise is grounded in a comprehensive understanding of tax policies, government relief initiatives, and the intricacies of financial systems.
Firstly, the article discusses the delayed distribution of MCTR payments to Californians, particularly those who experienced a change in address since filing their 2020 tax return. The FTB spokesperson, Andrew LePage, addresses the issue, explaining that payments for individuals with updated addresses will be issued between Jan. 30 and Feb. 14. LePage assures that the majority of MCTR payments will have been issued by the end of January, with any remaining delays attributed to unique circ*mstances, such as updated addresses.
The article outlines the eligibility criteria for inflation relief payments, emphasizing that recipients must have filed their 2020 tax return by Oct. 15, 2021, met specific income limits, not been claimed as dependents, and resided in California for at least six months of the 2020 tax year. Additionally, it mentions the promised relief payments aimed at assisting Californians with increased gas and living expenses due to inflation.
There is a discussion about the issues some individuals faced with MCTR debit cards, including funds being drained. Lawmakers encourage those experiencing problems to contact their state senator or assembly member. The article provides information on who is eligible for direct deposit payments and when these payments were issued, as well as details about receiving debit cards through the mail.
Furthermore, the article explains the schedule for mailing debit cards based on different categories, such as Golden State Stimulus recipients, non-GSS recipients, and those who changed their banking information. The payment amounts are detailed, varying based on income level and the presence of dependents.
The article covers additional topics, such as assistance for those who did not file a 2020 tax return, specific eligibility criteria for seniors receiving Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Payment (SSI/SSP) and CalWORKS grants, and the non-taxable nature of the MCTR payment for California state income tax purposes.
Lastly, the article addresses concerns related to the potential fraud of MCTR payments, providing a step-by-step guide on what individuals should do if they suspect fraudulent activity. It also includes contact information for reporting fraud to Money Network, the state's vendor handling MCTR debit cards.
In summary, my expertise allows me to interpret and explain the complex details surrounding the California inflation relief payments, providing valuable insights for individuals seeking information on eligibility, payment distribution, and addressing potential issues.
