California Earned Income Tax Credit Calculator 2026
Calculate your Earned Income Tax Credit in California (CA). California offers its own state EITC worth up to 85% of the federal credit (refundable). Enter your income and family details to estimate your credit.
Note: California CalEITC uses its own income thresholds, not a direct percentage of the federal credit. The 85% figure is an approximation of the maximum benefit ratio.
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Enter your income to estimate your EITC
California EITC Overview
California is one of the states that offers its own Earned Income Tax Credit on top of the federal EITC. The California state EITC is worth up to 85% of your federal credit amount and is refundable.
Because the California EITC is refundable, you can receive the credit even if you owe no state income tax. This means qualifying residents can receive both a federal EITC refund and a California state EITC refund. For a worker with three or more children receiving the maximum federal EITC of $7,830, the state credit could add up to $6,656 in additional benefits.
To claim the California state EITC, you must first qualify for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit. File your California state tax return and claim the state credit on the appropriate line or schedule. The state credit is typically calculated automatically when you file using tax software.
2025 Federal EITC Quick Reference
| Children | Max Credit | Income Limit (Single) | Income Limit (Married) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | $632 | $18,591 | $25,511 |
| 1 | $4,213 | $49,084 | $56,004 |
| 2 | $6,960 | $55,768 | $62,688 |
| 3+ | $7,830 | $59,899 | $66,819 |
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