FINANCE
Tax refund over $10,000 | Who is eligible and how to apply
With the 2023 tax season well underway, there are plenty of tax credits available, with some people eligible for a refund of more than $10,000.
The United State’s tax season is in full swing. It kicked off 23 January and runs through until 18 April, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will be receiving and processing tax returns from companies and individual taxpayers for fiscal year 2022. According to official figures from the government entity, in 2023 around 168 million Americans are expected to file their respective tax returns.
Year after year, thousands of people are eligible to receive tax credit that can result in a refund. However, not all potential beneficiaries claim the money, leaving thousands of dollars on the table. Here’s how you might be eligible for a refund of more than $10,000 from the IRS.
IRS refund over $10,000: who is eligible and how to apply
Individuals who are eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) may be able to receive a refund of more than $10,000.
“If you are low-to-moderate income and worked, you may be eligible for the Federal and State of California Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC). The Federal EITC is a refundable credit available to low-to-moderate income individuals and families that is worth up to $6,935. The CalEITC is worth up to an additional $3,417,” notes the organization Free Tax Prep LA, which helps prepare taxes.
In other words, to receive a refund of more than $10,000 you must be a Californian eligible for both tax credits. Below are the requirements for each:
EITC
- Having worked and earned lower income to $59,187
- Have had investment income of less than $10,300 in tax year 2022
- Have a valid Social Security number
- Be a US citizen or resident alien for the entire year
- Failing to File Form 2555 (Foreign Earned Income)
CAEITC
- 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
How and when will the money arrive?
If you are eligible to collect both credits, you will need to claim them through your respective tax return. The exact amount depends on the total number of qualifying children, as well as your annual income.
CalEITC Credit 2022
| No. of qualifying children | California income limit | Max. CalEITC | Max. YCTC | Max. FYTC | Max. federal EITC |
| None | $30,000 | $275 | $0 | $1,083 | $560 |
| 1 | $30,000 | $1,843 | $1,083 | $1,083 | $3,733 |
| 2 | $30,000 | $3,037 | $1,083 | $1,083 | $6,164 |
| 3 | $30,000 | $3,417 | $1,083 | $1,083 | $6,935 |
Payment for each credit will come to you as a refund, minus any taxes owed and debts with the IRS or another federal or state agency, once the IRS and the California Franchise Tax Board have processed your tax return. The federal tax agency has up to 21 days after processing your return to start issuing payments, as long as you have a linked account for direct deposit, otherwise the timeline can be extended from six to twelve more weeks.