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) is a one-time payment issued to eligible Californians to ease the pain of inflation. Payments were automatically issued to those eligible starting October 2022.

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

Here’s a quick look at how much you can get based on your adjusted gross income (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

How To Apply for the California Middle Class Tax Refund

If you’re eligible for the California Middle Class Tax Refund based on the requirements we’ve listed above, you’ll receive the payment automatically. You don’t need to formally apply for MCTR. You will have submitted your eligibility information automatically by filing your 2020 tax return.

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.

How To Track the Status of Your Payment

While there’s no online tracker for the California Middle Class Tax Refund, you can contact the California Franchise Tax Board if you believe you were eligible but haven’t received the payment:

  • Sign in to MyFTB for chat support (8 AM to 5 PM, weekdays)
  • Call 1-800-852-5711 toll-free (8 AM to 5 PM, weekdays) or 916-845-6500 outside the U.S.

If you were eligible for the pre-loaded debit card but haven’t received it, check to make sure that the FTB has your updated address. If your address has changed, you can update it using the chat or phone support methods we’ve provided above.

Another option is to contact Money Network to request your debit card. You can contact Money Network through their customer support number, chat, or mail.  

Once you receive your debit card, you’ll first have to activate it and set a 4-digit PIN by calling 1.800.240.0223. You can also call the same number to get your balance or register as a new user to check your balance online.

Once your debit card is activated, you can use it to shop online, by phone, and in-store. You can also get cash through an ATM or get cash back at participating merchants.

What To Do If You Didn’t Receive Your Payment

If you were eligible for the California Middle Class Tax Refund but didn’t receive a payment, check your bank account to ensure you didn’t miss the direct deposit. The payment will be listed as a deposit from “FTB MCT REFUND MCT REFUND.”

If you don’t see the deposit, you can contact customer support through the options we’ve listed above.

You May Still be Able To Get the California Middle Class Tax Refund Payment

The California Middle Class Tax Refund was a one-time payment issued to eligible Californians as a direct deposit or pre-loaded debit card. If you haven’t received the payment, we recommend checking the eligibility requirements to see if you qualify.

If you were eligible and haven’t received the payment, get in touch with the California Franchise Tax Board (FTB). 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) offers 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 that 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.