Life in Orange County
Golden state stimulus check updates
This Golden State Stimulus post is in partnership with Orange County United Way.
Here’s what you need to know if you’re an ITIN filer, how to qualify for the stimulus check, and where to file your tax returns for FREE!
The first Golden State Stimulus payment went out earlier this year. A check for either $600 or $1,200 went out to taxpayers that filed their 2020 tax return and met the eligibility requirements!
Before going forward – here’s a question: Did you file your tax returns this year? If you haven’t, check out OC Free Tax Prep, a United for Financial Security Initiative by Orange County United Way.
Free tax preparation with OC Free Tax Prep
OC Free Tax Prep provides free tax preparation services and education about tax credits to the Orange County, California community during tax season. However, if you have not filed your taxes yet, you may still be able to file for free by visiting MyFreeTaxes for more information and resources.
How to apply for the Golden State Stimulus
Per the Franchise Tax Board, for most Californians who qualify, you do not need to do anything to receive the stimulus payment other than file your 2020 tax return (see above if you haven’t filed your tax return yet). To make sure you receive your payment, file a complete 2020 tax return by October 15, 2021.
To qualify for the Golden State Stimulus, you must:
- Have filed your 2020 taxes
- Be either:
- A CalEITC recipient
- An ITIN filer who made $75,000 or less (total CA AGI)
- Live in California for more than half of the 2020 tax year
- Be a California resident on the date payment is issued
- Not be eligible to be claimed as a dependent
- File your taxes by October 15th, 2021
About the Golden State Stimulus II
Golden State Stimulus II payments will begin in September, according to the FTB. However, there doesn’t seem to be much information being shared for ITIN filers who may qualify for the Golden State Stimulus II – so we’re gathering all the info for you in case you, or someone you know, can utilize this information before it’s too late.
ITIN holders and the Golden State Stimulus II
Do you, or someone you know, have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)? Here’s what you can expect if you meet all the Golden State Stimulus II requirements listed above.
Are you still waiting for your ITIN from the IRS?
You must apply for your ITIN on or before October 15, 2021 to receive the Golden State Stimulus I and II. And in order to qualify for the stimulus payment, your tax return must include your ITIN.
However, if you applied for but have not received an ITIN by October 15, 2021, you have until February 15, 2022 to file your return and still be eligible to receive the Golden State Stimulus I and II.
How will you receive the payment, if you qualify?
If you qualify, you will receive your payment by either direct deposit or check in the mail. You don’t have to do anything else!
Typically, payments are sent via the same refund option you selected on your tax return.
Also, if you received an advanced refund through your tax service provider, or paid your tax preparation fees using your refund, you’ll receive your payment by check in the mail.
We hope the information above helps to answer some questions you may have regarding the Golden State Stimulus II, especially if you are an ITIN holder.
Still have questions or want to estimate your stimulus? Visit our friends at OCFreeTaxPrep.com!
Thank you for reading! Stay updated on fun things to see, eat and do in Orange County by following us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok!
Originally published on July 28, 2021. Last Updated on July 30, 2021 by Pattie Cordova
