FINANCE
Can you claim CalEITC without a Social Security number?
After a change to the law in 2020 it is possible to claim the tax credit without needing a social security number, opening up the benefits to many more.
The California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) is a tax credit available to working Califorians. Up to $3,417 can be claimed, increasing in size depending on the number of children.
Some people may be under the impression that a social security number may be a necessity to claim the credit, but this is not the case. Californians who file their taxes with an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) can claim the credit, without needing a social security number.. This means undocumented Californians can qualify for the CalEITC without discrimination.
Since the 2020 tax season, and the passing of AB 1867, undocumented Californians can access the credit.
“Expanding the CalEITC will provide a critical boost to undocumented and mixed-status families across the state, stimulate the economy and make us all stronger in the face of economic uncertainty,” California Governor Gavin Newsom said at the time. “These Californians are taxpayers and should be treated like taxpayers, eligible for the same credits, and pay the same tax rates.”
The change meant 600,000 more people could claim the credit.
How to qualify for the CalEITC
There are a few qualifications necessary to claim the credit:
- Be 18 or older or have a qualifying child
- Have earned income of at least $1.00 and not more than $30,000
- Have a valid Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for yourself, your spouse, and any qualifying children
- Living in California for more than half of the tax year
- Not be eligible to be claimed as a qualifying child or dependent of another taxpayer
California EITC requires filing of your state return (Form 540 2EZ or 540) along with a Form 3514 and having earned income reported on a W-2 form (i.e. wages, salaries, and tips) subject to California withholding.