California’s Earned Child Income Tax Credit Means Your Money Back in Your Pocket

Child Tax Credit Image

If you qualify for the California Earned Income Tax Credit
(CAEITC) you need to file right away, to ensure you don’t miss out on this
benefit.

The state of California expanded its refundable cash back
tax credit to even more low and moderate income qualifying families – families
with ITIN (Individual Tax Payer Identification Number) filers who meet the
qualifications are now eligible too.

Taking the step of applying for an ITIN if you don’t already
have one ensures that you have access to these benefits. Prior to implementing
the Golden State tax
credit
, more than 1 million Californians left more than $1.9 billion on the
table because eligible families weren’t aware that benefit was available to
them.

Due to the economic impacts many eligible families are
experiencing as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, Governor Gavin Newsom
expanded the program to offer more money to eligible families.

Community Bridges is partnering with the Community
Foundation of Santa Cruz County, and the Packard Foundation to provide free
ITIN services to qualifying families.

Why do I need an ITIN? 

Check if you qualify
for CAEITC

You May Qualify If:

You’re at least 18 years old or have a qualifying child (a child 19 years or under living at home, or a child 24 or under attending school full time for five or more months each year)

You have earned income within certain limits

Must have taxable earned income

Must have a valid social security number or ITIN
for you, your spouse, and any qualifying children

Must live in California for more than half the
year

Things To Know:

·      The amount of CAEITC you may get will depend on
your income and family size

·      Applications will not affect immigration status

·      Married applicants should not file taxes under
“Married/Filing Separate” to be eligible

Free tax preparation services are available locally in
partnership with Projects Scout and through the Franchise Tax Board’s Free
Tax Help WebPage.

Local Resources:

Family Resource Center ITIN Hotline (831) 316-3222

– Tax Preparation Support

– ITIN application cost – free to client

– Tax Preparation cost (ez1040 only) – free to
client

Why do I need an
ITIN?

Many residents are not citizens, but they are working in
this country and paying into our country’s tax base in the form of employer
paid payroll taxes, sales taxes, property taxes, and more.

An ITIN allows you to participate in those benefits
available to your family without affecting your immigration status. With an
ITIN, your family may be eligible for the CAEITC but there are other advantages
to establishing an identification number.

It allows residents to open an interest-bearing bank
account, secure a driver’s license, and provides proof of residency.

It is not an immigration tracking or enforcement tool. It
does not offer legal immigration status or the right to work in the United
States. 

Thanks to your voices, Gov. Gavin Newsom has requested a Major Disaster Declaration to provide federal support for residents impacted by storms and floods. Thanks to the more than 800 concerned community members that signed our request, and the more than 200 personal comments sharing your hearts with the community Pajaro as well those who had suffered personal losses.You can continue to use your voice to urge the President to grant the governor's request to release desperately needed support to the people of Pajaro as well as across the state. Use the following updated link to show your support for federal action with President Biden, Governor Newsom and local representatives: communitybridges.salsalabs.org/pajarorecoveryaction#strongertogether #pajarostrong #PeoplePower ... See MoreSee Less
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The road to recovery has begun for many flood-impacted families in the Pajaro Valley. For some, this will take weeks. For others, this will take years. Community Bridges and its community partners, including the Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County, Inc., Catholic Charities Monterey, Monarch Services - Servicios Monarca, and Pajaro Valley Prevention and Student Assistance, are here to help. Community groups have already distributed more than $750,000 in direct assistance to Pajaro Valley families, and now we have a three-wave plan to continue supporting their recovery.We thank Community Foundation Santa Cruz County and Community Foundation for Monterey County for sponsoring this endeavor and for their ongoing support of the Pajaro Valley during this difficult time. Read about the three-wave recovery plan in this collaborative opinion piece in the Santa Cruz Sentinel: www.santacruzsentinel.com/2023/03/27/guest-commentary-pajaro-floods-community-groups-step-up/In need of long-term disaster case management services? Reach out to La Manzana Community Resources or Catholic Charities for help.La ManzanaVisit: 521 Main St., Suite Y, Watsonville Call: 831-724-2997Catholic CharitiesCall: 831-316-9122 ... See MoreSee Less
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