CalEITC: Cash Back for Transition Age Youth

In the 2019-2020 budget, the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC), a cash-back tax credit that puts money back into the pockets of California’s working families and individuals, was expanded from $400 million to $1 billion. More than 600,000 young adults in California, including current and former foster youth, are expected to qualify for the CalEITC this tax season. This could mean hundreds or thousands of dollars in tax refunds for transition age youth. With the support of child welfare, education, housing partners and free tax preparation services, these refunds can help young adults cover necessary expenses.

Transition-age youth across California stand to benefit from the newly approved $600 pandemic relief payment to be issued by the State of California. Payments will be provided to individuals who earned less than $30,000 who qualify for the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC). Direct relief will also be provided by mid-April to Californians receiving CalWORKS, SSI/SSP and Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants. For more information, please contact Anna Johnson at [email protected].

The tax season begins February 12, 2021 and ends May 17, 2021.

  • CalEITC Social Media Toolkit

    This Toolkit contains information and resources about the California Earned Income Tax Credit, Young Child Tax Credit, and the Federal Earned Income Tax Credit designed to support you in getting the word out to transition age youth.

  • CalEITC Webinar

    This webinar includes the California Franchise Tax Board and Santa Clara County Social Services Agency, and discusses strategies to help transition-age youth access the CalEITC.