When Will I Get My California Stimulus?
Understanding the California Stimulus Program
The California Stimulus Program is a financial relief initiative launched by the state government to assist Californians who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program includes two rounds of stimulus payments, known as Golden State Stimulus I and II.
Golden State Stimulus I provided one-time cash payments of $600 or $1,200 to eligible Californians, depending on their filing status and income. The payment was automatically issued to individuals who filed their 2020 tax returns by May 17, 2021.
Golden State Stimulus II is a more extensive program that includes both a one-time payment and a recurring payment. The one-time payment is $600 for eligible taxpayers, while the recurring payment is $500 for eligible families with children. The recurring payment will be made on a monthly basis starting in September 2021 and ending in June 2022.
To be eligible for the California Stimulus Program, individuals must meet specific income and residency requirements. The income limits are based on the adjusted gross income reported on the 2020 tax return. Additionally, individuals must have filed their 2020 tax return before the payment deadline to receive the stimulus payment.
Eligibility Requirements for the California Stimulus Payment
To receive the California Stimulus Payment, individuals must meet certain eligibility requirements. Here are the key criteria:
Residency: Individuals must be California residents as of March 15, 2021, and have a valid Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number).
Income: The income limits for the California Stimulus Payment are based on the taxpayer’s filing status and adjusted gross income (AGI) reported on their 2020 tax return. For individuals who file as single or married filing separately, the AGI limit is $75,000. For heads of household, the limit is $112,500, and for married filing jointly, the limit is $150,000.
Filing status: The California Stimulus Payment is available to individuals who filed their 2020 tax return by October 15, 2021, or who are not required to file a tax return but have received an Economic Impact Payment from the federal government.
Age: Individuals must be 18 years or older to receive the California Stimulus Payment.
Other factors: Individuals who owe past-due child support, have outstanding state debts, or have been incarcerated are not eligible for the California Stimulus Payment.
It’s important to note that eligibility requirements may change depending on the specific round of the California Stimulus Program.
Factors That Determine When You’ll Receive Your Stimulus Payment
Several factors determine when you will receive your California Stimulus Payment. These include:
Eligibility: First, you must meet the eligibility criteria to receive the payment. If you are eligible and have filed your 2020 tax return by the payment deadline, the payment will be automatically issued to you.
Payment round: The payment round you are eligible for will also determine when you receive your payment. Golden State Stimulus I payments were issued in two batches in September and October 2021. Golden State Stimulus II payments will be issued in two phases: the one-time payment will be issued in October 2021, while the recurring payment will be made monthly from September 2021 to June 2022.
Payment method: The payment method you selected on your 2020 tax return also determines when you receive your payment. If you opted for direct deposit, you will likely receive your payment faster than if you chose to receive a paper check in the mail.
Processing time: Finally, the processing time for your payment also depends on the volume of payments being processed and the accuracy of the information provided on your tax return.
If you have not received your California Stimulus Payment yet, you can check the status of your payment using the “Where’s My CA Stimulus” tool on the Franchise Tax Board’s website.
How to Check the Status of Your California Stimulus Payment
If you are eligible for the California Stimulus Payment but have not received it yet, you can check the status of your payment using the “Where’s My CA Stimulus” tool on the Franchise Tax Board’s website. Here’s how:
Go to the “Where’s My CA Stimulus” tool on the Franchise Tax Board’s website.
Enter your Social Security number or ITIN, your date of birth, and the ZIP code from your most recent tax return.
Click “Submit” to view the status of your payment.
The tool will show whether your payment has been issued or is still being processed. If your payment has been issued, it will also show the payment amount and the payment method (direct deposit or paper check).
If you have any issues or concerns about your California Stimulus Payment, you can contact the Franchise Tax Board directly for assistance.
What to Do If You Haven’t Received Your California Stimulus Payment Yet
If you are eligible for the California Stimulus Payment but haven’t received it yet, there are several steps you can take:
Check the status of your payment: Use the “Where’s My CA Stimulus” tool on the Franchise Tax Board’s website to check the status of your payment. If the tool indicates that your payment has been issued but you haven’t received it, contact the Franchise Tax Board for further assistance.
Verify your eligibility: Make sure that you meet all the eligibility criteria for the California Stimulus Payment. If you aren’t sure, review the eligibility requirements or contact the Franchise Tax Board for assistance.
Check your tax return information: Verify that the information on your 2020 tax return is accurate, especially your Social Security number or ITIN and your mailing address. If there are errors or discrepancies, this could delay your payment.
Contact the Franchise Tax Board: If you have checked the status of your payment and verified your eligibility and tax return information but still haven’t received your payment, contact the Franchise Tax Board for assistance. They can help you resolve any issues or concerns related to your California Stimulus Payment.
Be patient: Processing and issuing payments can take time, especially with high volumes of payments being processed. If you haven’t received your payment yet, try to be patient and wait a few more days before contacting the Franchise Tax Board for assistance.
