Dear Constituent,
By now, many of you have received your cash refund from the state of California via a direct deposit to your bank account. This refund was proposed by Governor Newsom and approved by the Legislature to help Californians respond to the higher costs caused by inflation.
If you haven't yet received a direct deposit refund, and you qualify for this state rebate, then you'll likely receive your refund in the mail in the form of a prepaid debit card. The debit cards will be mailed out beginning Oct. 25.
California's Better for Families tax refund program, also known as the California Middle Class Tax Refund, is providing $9.5 billion to California families. Please see my previous e-newsletter to see who is eligible for these rebates, and the rebate dollar amount, which is based on the taxable income reported in your 2020 state tax return.
If you filed your 2020 tax return electronically and received a refund by direct deposit, then your refund will or has been made via direct deposit. If you mailed in your return, or do not have direct deposit set up with the Franchise Tax Board, you will be receiving your Middle Class Tax Refund (MCTR) through a prepaid debit card mailed to your home address.
Your MCTR debit card will arrive in a white envelope that prominently displays the California state seal.
Once you receive your card, to use it, you must activate it by calling 1-800-240-0223. For cards that have two names embossed, the cardholder shown first must call to activate the card. You can also activate your card by going to mctrpayment.com. Click "Login" and then "Register Now." Follow the steps to create your User ID and Password and get your four-digit PIN (you can also get a PIN by calling 1-800-240-0223). For cards with more than one name, please use the primary cardholder information (listed first on the card) for online or mobile app registration. Once you activate/register your card by phone or online you can check how much money is on the card and start using it.
Your MCTR Card can be used to make purchases at stores accepting Visa debit cards. You can choose to sign for the transaction or enter your 4-digit PIN. (The process to make purchases may vary by merchant.) You can also get cash from your card at ATMs, banks and credit unions, and participating stores.
- Cash from an ATM: There's no fee to withdraw cash at in-network ATMs that carry the Allpoint or MoneyPass brands, but fees may apply if you use an out-of-network ATM. To find surcharge-free in-network ATMs, use this ATM Locator mctrpayment.com or in the Money Network Mobile App. You'll need the 4-digit PIN you created when you activated the card to withdraw cash from an ATM. Note: ATM Withdrawal Limits Apply: $600 per transaction (individual ATM limit may be lower).
- Cash-back from participating stores: To request cash back from a merchant, use the card like you would use any bank debit card, select "Debit" on the keypad and enter the 4-digit PIN you created when you activated the card.
- Cash from a bank or credit union teller: You can use the MCTR card to withdraw cash at any bank or credit union that features a Visa logo. You will need your card's 4-digit PIN and may be asked for an additional form of ID. NOTE: Withdrawal Limits of $600 per transaction (individual bank limits may be lower), and you will be charged a fee to withdraw cash.
You can also transfer funds from my MCTR Card to your bank account at no cost to you. You will need the routing and account number for your bank account to complete the transfer at mctrpayment.com.
Be sure to have activated your MCTR Card before attempting to transfer funds. Transfers are limited to $600 per transaction. You can get specific instructions on how to transfer the funds on your MCTR card at on mtcypayment.com on the FAQ page or by calling 1-800-240-0223.
Finally, if you misplace your card, you can lock it by logging in online at mctrpayment.com. This will prevent unauthorized transactions or ATM withdrawals. If your card is permanently lost, it is important to call Customer Service at 1-800-240-0223 and choose the option for assistance with a replacement, reissue, lost, or stolen card. Your lost or stolen card will be deactivated to prevent anyone from using it, and, upon your request, a replacement card can be provided to you.
As chair of the state Senate Budget Committee, I was proud to work on this year's tax rebate program. I hope you find this information useful. It is an honor serving you in the state Senate.
Sincerely,
Nancy Skinner
State Senator, District
