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Better for Families Tax Refund

Beginning early October, most California residents will start receiving cash refunds to help offset the higher costs caused by inflation. Funding for California's Better for Families Tax Refund* was part of this year's state budget. It provides an estimated $9.5 billion to approximately 17.5 million California families.

Determine your eligibility

You are eligible if you:

  • Filed your 2020 tax return by October 15, 2021
  • Meet the California adjusted gross income (CA AGI) limits described in the Tax Refund section
  • Were not eligible to be claimed as a dependent in the 2020 tax year
  • You are a California resident for six months or more of the 2020 tax year
  • Are you a California resident on the date the payment is issued

When will I receive my refund?

The Franchise Tax Board (FTB) anticipates that 95% of all refunds will be distributed by the end of this year.

If you filed your 2020 taxes electronically:

Expect to receive your refund by direct deposit.

  • Prior Golden State Stimulus I or II recipients – 10/7-10/25
  • Other eFilers – 10/28-11/14

If you filed your 2020 taxes, standard USPS:

Expect to receive your refund via a debit card sent to your address on file with the FTB.

  • Prior Golden State Stimulus I or II recipients – 10/25-12/10
  • Remaining Tax Filers – Before 1/15/23

Questions?

Contact the Franchise Tax Board's customer service representatives if you have further questions regarding this one-time payment at (800) 542-9332. Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., or visit the website at ftb.ca.gov.

NOTE: To receive a refund, you must have completed a 2020 state tax return by October 15, 2021, and had earnings of no higher than $250,000 as a single filer or $500,000 as a joint filer.