The Golden State Stimulus checks have been expanded to include more California residents. There are currently two separate stimulus checks coming your way. You may be eligible for one or both of these initiatives. If you are a lucky Californian and qualify for the payments, all you have to do is file your taxes on time.
The Golden State Stimulus II
On July 12, 2021, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 139. The GSSII was thus authorized. The Golden State Stimulus II was nothing more than an expansion of the GSS, which was designed to help low and middle-income families in California. Individuals who were experiencing hardship as a result of COVID-19 were also eligible. If you earn less than $75,000 and file your 2020 taxes, you may be eligible for Golden State Stimulus II stimulus checks. This payment was not like the Golden State Stimulus I.
To receive the Golden State Stimulus II payment, you must only file your 2020 tax return if you qualify.
The Golden State Stimulus I
On Feb. 23, 2021, Gov. Newsom signed a legislative relief package that authorized the Golden State Stimulus I to assist California households that had faced a disproportionate economic burden as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, including those with incomes under $30,000 and those who did not receive federal stimulus relief.
The initiative provided $600 in one-time payments to households receiving the California Earned Income Tax Credit in 2020. The GSS also made one-time payments of $600 to taxpayers who did not receive federal relief by filing with ITINs. Golden State Stimulus I stimulus checks are available to residents with ITINs and earnings of less than $75,000, as well as ITIN taxpayers with earnings of less than $30,000.
They are also eligible for the California Earned Income Tax Credit, for which they would receive a total of $1,200. The payments will be distributed to residents immediately following the filing of their 2020 tax returns. This payment is not similar to the Golden State Stimulus II payment.
If you qualify, all you have to do is file your 2020 California State tax return to receive the Golden State Stimulus I payment!
How To Check If You Have Qualified For The Golden State Stimulus Checks
You must have filed your 2020 taxes in order to be eligible for the GSS II stimulus checks. That is required. You must also have an AGI (California) of $75,000 or less and/or wages of less than $75,000. You must also have lived in California for more than half of the previous tax year and on the date, the payment is issued. Aside from that, you should not be claimed as a dependent by another taxpayer.
To be eligible for GSS I stimulus checks, you must file your 2020 taxes. You must be a California Earned Income Tax Credit recipient or an ITIN filer with a total California Adjusted Gross Income of $75,000 or less. You must also be a resident of the state at the time the payment is issued. You must be at least 18 years old as of the end of the tax year and not be eligible to be claimed as a dependent.
Keep an eye on the Franchise Tax Board’s Golden State Stimulus Webpage to keep up to date on the Golden State Stimulus I and II.
Check If You Have Qualified For The CalEITC
If you are 18 years of age or older, or if you have a qualifying child as a dependent, you may be eligible for the CalEITC stimulus checks. You must also provide proof that you have earned a certain amount of money. The amount of CalEITC you will receive is determined by the size of your family and your annual income.
You must have taxable earned income for yourself or your spouse, as well as a valid social security number/individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN). If you are married, you cannot use the “married/RDP filing separate” option. You must also live in the state for more than half of the year.
W-2 wages, self-employment strategies, salaries or tips, and other employee wages subject to California withholding are all examples of earned income in the preceding statement.
Free Tax Preparation Services
Californians must file their tax returns, whether they are required to do so or not, in order to qualify for the CalEITC. Local community-based organizations give free IRS-certified tax preparation services to help you keep every cent of your cashback CalEITC. Visit the Franchise Tax Board’s Free Tax Help Webpage to find a no-cost tax preparation site near you.
