Through the Golden State’s stimulus plan, another check is on the way to two-thirds of the state’s population.
Although Washington has no plans to issue a fourth stimulus check and millions of people lost their eligibility for increased federal unemployment benefits last month, an estimated 9 million Californians are receiving some additional relief aid in the second year of the crisis.
$600 and $1,100 California Stimulus Checks
On October 5th, the third distribution of Golden State Stimulus II payments will be made. The first distribution was made on August 27 to the extent of 600,000. The second, made on September 17, was far greater, with at least 2 million Californians getting the benefit. About two-thirds of California taxpayers can receive a $600 payout, and certain families can receive an extra $500.
Included in the $100 billion “California Comeback Plan,” these checks will go directly to residents of the state who have been hit hardest by the outbreak. The Governor’s Office stated that this was “the largest state tax rebate in American history.”
If you live in California, read on to find out if you qualify for the Golden State Stimulus II, what steps you need to take to receive your money, and when you may expect to receive it.
Do I Qualify for a $600 or $1,100 Payment?
Payments made under Golden State Stimulus II are distinct from those made under Golden State Stimulus I earlier this year. Those who earned less than $30,000 per year and qualified for California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) or who filed their taxes using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) got GSS I payments, and one-time checks of $600 or $1,200, respectively.
The scope of GSS II has been broadened to include more residents in California. If you plan to spend more than half of the 2020 tax year in California, you can receive a $600 rebate (you must still be a California resident on the date the payment is issued). In addition, you must fulfill these conditions:
- You filed your 2020 taxes by Oct. 15, 2021.
- Your California Adjusted Gross Income, or CA AGI, was $75,000 or less for the 2020 tax year.
- You cannot be claimed as a dependent by another taxpayer.
If you don’t meet the requirements for GSS II, you should check whether you are qualified for GSS I. Only residents of California who filed a tax return in 2020 and claimed a qualifying child or relative as a dependent could be eligible to receive a GSS II payment of $500 or $1,000.
In addition to those who have already received GSS I and do not have any dependents, there are a few more groups of people who are not eligible to receive GSS II benefits. Those residents of the Golden State whose only source of income is government assistance (like Social Security, CalWorks, unemployment, or state disability) are not eligible. Please visit the Franchise Tax Board’s FAQ page for further details.
How Much Money Will I Receive?
If you are a California resident and meet the eligibility requirements for GSS II, you can get your benefits automatically when you file your tax return for 2020. You can file your taxes online, on paper, or in person before the October 15th deadline if you still need to.
California is going to give out stimulus checks to fight inflation. Cut taxes and let the people to decide every month how to spend the money. Oh yeah he’s running for President.
— Corky Swift (@CorkySwift2) October 5, 2022
Visit the Franchise Tax Board’s estimator to find out if you qualify for GSS II and, if so, how much you would owe in GSS II taxes. You should receive $600 if you did not declare any dependents and $1,100 if you did. This is provided that you have a Social Security number and meet all the GSS II standards listed above. Keep in mind that some of the payment amounts vary according to a number of factors, including whether or not you received GSS I, whether or not you have a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, and whether or not you are married and filing separately.
When Can I Expect to Receive my Stimulus Payment?
In California, stimulus payments are being dispersed roughly every two weeks or twice a month. To those who qualify and have their direct deposit information on file for their 2020 tax return, an electronic payment will be issued.
Before October 31st, the majority of stimulus payments will be made via direct deposit. A state tax return filed after September 1 may take at least 45 days to process and issue a refund check.
In terms of paper checks, distribution will begin on October 6 and continue until January 2023. You should expect paper checks to arrive in batches determined by the final three digits of your ZIP code from your 2020 tax return. The Franchise Tax Board recommends allowing up to 60 days from the date of your scheduled ZIP code payment if your tax return is processed during or after the date of your scheduled payment.
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