California Earned Income Tax Credit
by Franchise Tax Board
A refundable California tax credit for working people and families with earned income up to the published annual cap.
Potential tax credit
$302–$3,756
Per year
What you can get
Up to $3,756 for tax year 2025, depending on earned income and qualifying children
Up to $3,756 in potential benefit
Published range: $302 to $3,756
For tax year 2025, FTB published a maximum CalEITC of $3,756 and a maximum earned-income limit of $32,900. Amounts depend on qualifying children. Claim it on a California return with FTB 3514. Tax year 2026 tables were not posted at verification. This site does not treat the $32,900 figure as a current-year engine rule.
Overview
A refundable California tax credit for working people and families with earned income up to the published annual cap.
Who may qualify
Not every requirement is listed here. Confirm the full rules with the program administrator.
Location / service area
Statewide in California
How to apply
Use the official application or program page. Confirm current instructions with the administrator before you apply.
Preapproval not required
Important things to know
Effective dates: Jan 1, 2025 – Dec 31, 2025
Last verified: Sep 6, 2026 · Confidence: High
Official sources
Related programs
May need to be used in sequence with
Young Child Tax CreditYoung Child Tax Credit generally requires CalEITC qualification, with a published zero-income exception.
Not sure what you qualify for?
Check your eligibility. We’ll compare your answers with published program rules.
Eligibility is based on published program information and the details you provide. Program rules, funding and availability can change. Always confirm eligibility with the official program administrator.