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.
