Did you know each state has its say on doling out those sweet stimulus checks? Yeah, they’re not just following Uncle Sam’s lead! Take COVID-19, for instance. While the feds were sending out those three “Economic Impact Payments,” states like California were also doing their thing, dishing out extra cash to help folks out.
California residents are in luck
So, what’s the deal in California? Well, they’ve gone ahead and rolled out some additional measures you might qualify for. If you’re a California resident and eyeing that $1,050 stimulus, you’ll wanna make sure you meet all the requirements first. Check it out to see if you’re eligible!
Now, let’s talk about what this stimulus is all about. It’s called the Middle-Class Tax Refund (MCTR), and it’s California’s way of giving folks a little breather from the financial strain of COVID-19. Basically, it’s like a tax refund, but for the middle class. By putting some extra cash in people’s pockets, the idea is to get them spending, which helps boost the local economy. And hey, that’s not all! This also helps keep small businesses afloat, preventing them from going belly-up.
Are you eligible?
Oh, and here’s the scoop on how you get your hands on that cash. For the 2020 California Tax Return crowd, you’ve got options. If you filed electronically, you might get a direct deposit. Otherwise, you’ll be getting this snazzy Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, aka the Money Network card. Once you get it in the mail, just activate it with the PIN provided. And guess what? This card works just like a VISA, so you can use it pretty much anywhere—whether you’re shopping online, hitting up your favorite local spot, or even grabbing cash from an ATM. No extra fees, no hassle!
What do you need to snag that stimulus check in California? Here are the boxes you gotta tick:
- File your 2020 tax return by October 15th, 2021.
- Keep an eye on your California Adjusted Gross Income (CA AGI) limits. Check out line 17 on your Form 540 or line 16 on your Form 540 2EZ from your 2020 filing. Here’s the breakdown:
For all the head-of-household or widow qualifiers out there:
- If your 2020 Tax Return CA AGI is:
- $150,000 or less, you could get $700 with dependents or $350 without.
- Between $150,001 and $250,000, it’s $500 with dependents or $250 without.
- Between $250,001 and $500,000, you’re looking at $400 with dependents or $200 without.
- Over $500,000, sorry, you’re out of luck.
And for those flying solo or married but filing separately:
- If your 2020 Tax Return CA AGI is:
- $75,000 or less, you might pocket $700 with dependents or $350 without.
- Between $75,001 and $125,000, it’s $500 with dependents or $250 without.
- Between $125,001 and $250,000, you’re in for $400 with dependents or $200 without.
- Over $250,000, no dice.
So, if you fit the bill, keep an eye out for that extra cash coming your way!
So, you wanna snag that $1,050 stimulus check in California? Here’s what you gotta do:
- Make sure you weren’t claimed as a dependent for the 2020 tax year.
- Clock in at least six months in California during 2020.
- Be a California resident when the stimulus check hits your mailbox.
How to claim your money
Once you’ve ticked off those boxes, it’s time to claim your cash! But wait, there’s more. You’ll also need to file your complete 2020 tax return to qualify for the funds. And hey, it doesn’t hurt to double-check if your address is up to date with the Franchise Tax Board of the State of California. You can reach out to Money Network, the folks managing the MCTR cards, at 800-240-0223 or hit up their automated customer assistance line at 800-542-9332, available on weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Here’s a heads-up: Once the program wraps up on April 30th, 2026, any unclaimed benefits will vanish into thin air. So, don’t miss out!