2021 Income Tax Return Filing
Attention Californians:
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More people than ever before will qualify for significant new tax benefits this year. Legislation such as the American Rescue Plan Act has expanded opportunities to claim tax credits. The California Department of Social Services wants to help program recipients receive all the tax credits for which you are eligible.
Available Credits
You can receive the Child Tax Credit if you have children, even if you make little or no money. Generally, the children in your family qualify for the Child Tax Credit if they are under 18 and live with you most of the time.
There are several Earned Income Tax Credits available. One is the Federal Earned Income Tax Credit and the other is the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC). Both credits are available to individuals who had some earnings in 2021. The Earned Income Tax Credits have no effect on your public benefits.
The stimulus checks are a federal tax credit, known as the Recovery Rebate Credit. In order to get the Recovery Rebate Credit, you will need to file a tax return.
If you are a County Welfare Department or a Community Based Organization, learn more about additional resources to help your clients and the public.