The tax season in the United States is more than just a financial requirement; it also provides a unique opportunity to reap major economic benefits. Many California residents are eligible for returns of up to USD 10,000 through the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and its state counterpart, the CalEITC.
These programs are precisely designed to assist families with low to moderate incomes, providing significant financial relief.
The IRS has set a deadline for filing tax returns and confirmed substantial changes for the 2025 tax season. The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a federal tax credit intended to help workers with low income.
Depending on your family circumstances and income, you could receive a refund of up to USD 8,046 when you complete your tax return.
Eligibility Requirements for Tax Refunds
To be eligible for a tax refund, you must meet the following criteria:
- Income Limits:
- Without children:Â Up to $16,480.
- With one child:Â Up to $43,492.
- With three or more children:Â Up to $53,057.
- Valid Social Security Number:Â You must have a valid Social Security Number before April 18, 2025, which is the deadline for filing your return.
If you fulfill these requirements, you may claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) on your federal tax return. To maximize your refund, ensure that all documents are completed accurately.
Where’s My Refund? How to Track Your IRS Tax Return in 2025
For California citizens, the CalEITC is a one-of-a-kind program that supplements the federal EITC by providing additional benefits worth up to USD 3,644. By combining both credits, California households may receive more than $10,000 in total, offering significant financial relief.
The 2025 tax filing season officially began on Monday, January 27, with the IRS accepting and processing federal tax returns for the 2024 fiscal year. Taxpayers who want to verify their refund status can do so within 24 hours of the IRS acknowledging receipt of an e-filed return or four weeks of filing a paper return.
According to the IRS, most refunds are issued within 21 days, but some may take longer if the return requires additional examination. With over 140 million individual tax returns likely to be submitted by the April 15 deadline, the IRS is preparing for a hectic season.
Many Americans rely on tax returns to help them manage their finances. According to a recent Intuit Credit Karma survey, 37% of Americans rely on refunds to cover necessary bills, with 50% of millennials viewing them as a financial lifeline. Rising living costs, inflation, and debt have all contributed to the need of refunds.
To check the status of their return, taxpayers can utilize the “Where’s My Refund?” function on IRS.gov or the IRS2Go app, which is updated once a day. To view their return details, users will need to provide their Social Security number, filing status, and exact refund amount.
The program gives updates on whether the return has been received, approved, or mailed, allowing taxpayers to stay informed throughout the process.
