Tax Resources
How to File Personal Taxes
Use CalFile to e-file your state tax return directly to the Franchise Tax Board. Get real-time confirmation and the fastest refund possible. And best of all, it’s free.
Personal & Business Filing Information
California Tax Credits
The Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC) provides up to $1,189 per eligible tax return for tax year 2025. YCTC may provide you with cash back or reduce any tax you owe. California families qualify with earned income of $32,900 or less
For tax year 2025, the Foster Youth Tax Credit (FYTC) provides up to $1,189 per eligible individual or up to $2,378 if both primary taxpayer and spouse/RDP qualify. FYTC may provide you with cash back or reduce any tax you owe.
Earned Income Tax Credit Calculator
Find out how much you could get back
The California Earned Income Tax Credit
The California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) offers support for low-income, working Californians. You may qualify for up to $3,756 cash back or a reduction of the tax you owe.
Free Tax Preparation
Californians can get free tax help from these programs:
- Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), if you:
- Make $69,000 or less, generally
- Have disabilities, or
- Speak limited English
- Are active duty or retired military personnel, or a dependent
- Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE), if you’re at least 60 years old
Tax Deferment Resources
The State Controller’s Property Tax Postponement Program allows homeowners who are seniors, are blind, or have a disability to defer current-year property taxes on their principal residence if they meet certain criteria, including at least 40 percent equity in the home and an annual household income of $55,181 or less (among other requirements). The deferment of property taxes is secured by a lien against the property which must eventually be repaid.