The California Middle Class Tax Refund (MCTR) was issued to millions of state residents to ease the pain of inflation. Eligible Californians received the refunds in the form of a pre-loaded debit card or direct deposit in their bank account.

Read on to learn more about MCTR, how much you can get, eligibility requirements, and how to track the status of your payment.

What Is the California Middle Class Tax Refund?

The California Middle Class Tax Refund (MCTR) was a one-time payment issued to eligible Californians to ease the pain of inflation. Payments were automatically issued to those eligible starting October 2022. However, reissued payments ended on May 31, 2024.

The amount of this stimulus check in California varied depending on your adjusted gross income (AGI), filing status, and whether you claimed a dependent.

Here’s a quick look at how much people received based on their adjusted gross incomes (AGI) and filing status.

Married filing jointly:

  • AGI of $150,000 or less: $700 without dependent, $1,050 with dependent
  • AGI of $150,001 to $250,000: $500 without dependent, $750 with dependent
  • AGI of $250,001 to $500,000: $400 without dependent, $600 with dependent
  • AGI of $500,001 or more: Not qualified

Qualifying widow(er) or head of household:

  • AGI of $150,000 or less: $350 without dependent, $700 with dependent
  • AGI of $150,001 to $250,000: $250 without dependent, $500 with dependent
  • AGI of $250,001 to $500,000: $200 without dependent, $400 with dependent
  • AGI of $500,001 or more: Not qualified

Single or married filing separately:

  • AGI of $75,000 or less: $350 without dependent, $700 with dependent
  • AGI of $75,001 to $125,000: $250 without dependent, $500 with dependent
  • AGI of $125,001 to $250,000: $200 without dependent, $400 with dependent
  • AGI of $250,001 or more: Not qualified

Key Information About the California Middle Class Tax Refund

Here’s the key information about the California Middle Class Tax Refund, including qualification requirements, how to apply, and how to track your status.

Are You Eligible for the California Middle Class Tax Refund?

To qualify for the tax refund, you must:

  • Have filed your return for the 2020 tax year by the extended October 15, 2021, tax filing deadline
  • Not have been claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return for the year 2020
  • Not have an AGI of more than $500,000 if you’re filing as a qualifying widow(er), head of household, or married filing jointly. Your AGI shouldn’t be more than $250,000 if you’re filing as single or married filing separately
  • Have been a resident of California for at least six months in 2020
  • Be a California resident on the date the tax refund is issued

Payments were made to eligible filers through a mailed debit card or bank deposit. If you e-filed your 2020 tax return and requested a tax refund through direct deposit, you would have received your tax refund through direct deposit to the same account. Debit cards were issued for everyone else.

Although the California Middle Class Tax Refund has ended, we also recommend learning more about other stimulus programs in your state to see if you qualify.

Stay alert for scammers, and don’t reply to unsolicited emails or texts that request personal information like your Social Security number. There may be copycat websites that closely resemble the official IRS or FTB website, so double-check website spellings to ensure you’re getting general information from reliable sources.

Discover Additional Financial Resources

While the California Middle Class Tax Refund (MCTR) offered crucial financial relief, there are other options available for those seeking assistance. Here are a few resources that can provide additional support:

  • California Stimulus Checks: In addition to the MCTR, California issued stimulus checks to support residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you haven't received a payment, review your eligibility to see if you can still claim it. Additionally, you may also qualify for tax credits that can help you save money on your taxes.  
  • Debt Relief Plans: For those struggling with overwhelming debts like medical bills and credit cards, California debt relief programs can help individuals manage and reduce their debt more effectively.
  • Financial Assistance Programs: The Golden State offers various financial assistance programs that provide cash aid, food benefits, and healthcare resources for residents in need. These programs can help alleviate immediate economic pressures.  
  • Payday Loans: While California's online payday loans can offer immediate cash, they often come with high fees and interest rates. It's essential to weigh the risks and explore alternatives before considering this option.

Contact the experts at TurboDebt today to find out how you can reduce debt and set up an effective plan to pay off unsecured balances.