California Golden State Stimulus

Golden State Stimulus II (GSS II)

July 14, 2021:  On July 13, California signed the Golden State Stimulus II, a $100 billion budget deal that will include a second round of California stimulus payments. Qualifying individuals with incomes between $30,000 to $75,000 will receive a $600 stimulus check and qualifying families with kids will receive an additional $500. If you qualify, you only need to file your 2020 taxes by October 15, 2021 in order to receive the Golden State Stimulus II payment.

California Franchise Tax Board anticipates that payments will begin September 2021 and payments will be either by check or mail, typically according to the refund option you chose on your tax return.  You can check back with the TurboTax blog and with the California Franchise Tax Board for more information.

Golden State Stimulus I (GSS I)

California signed the Golden State Stimulus I, which includes $600-$1200 cash payments to eligible residents.

Eligibility is based on your 2020 tax return (the one you file in 2021). You will need to file your 2020 California state tax return by October 15, 2021 in order to receive your California stimulus check.

Use the below guide to learn more:

Am I eligible for the California Stimulus I?

You should be eligible for the Golden State Stimulus I, if you are a California resident and:

• You received the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) on your your 2020 tax return
• You have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) and have an adjusted gross income less than $75,000
• Your household is enrolled in the CalWORKS program, or are a recipient of SSI/SSP, or are enrolled in the Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants   

Those who both received the CalEITC and have an ITIN with an adjusted gross income of less than $75,000 will receive a $1,200 payment.

The CalEITC is a credit for low to moderate income individuals and families. Californians that earn $30,000 or less annually may be eligible for the CalEITC.

What do I need to do to get my stimulus?

Eligibility is based on your 2020 tax return (the one you file in 2021), so you will need to file your taxes to get your stimulus payment. 

You will need to file your 2020 tax return by October 15, 2021 to get your California stimulus check.  

The stimulus payment will expire on November 15, 2021. 

When will I get my California stimulus I check?

Stimulus payments will be issued on a monthly basis after your 2020 tax return is processed. According to the California Franchise Tax Board, payments are expected to begin in March 2021 and could take:

• Direct deposits: up to 45 days
• Paper checks: up to 60 days

How will I receive a California stimulus I check?

Payments will be issued separately from your individual state tax refund or CalEITC either via direct deposit or check.