CalEITC + Young Child Tax Credit Calculator 2026
Calculate California EITC (up to $3,644), Young Child Tax Credit (up to $1,154), and Foster Youth Tax Credit (up to $1,154). ITIN filers eligible. All refundable.
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Wages, salary, self-employment net income At least one qualifying child under 6 at year-end
Former foster youth in CA at/after age 13
CA allows ITIN for CalEITC; federal EITC requires SSN
Income examples:
$0
Total CA Credit
$0
CalEITC
$0
YCTC
$0
FYTC (Foster Youth)
Credit Eligibility Summary
How CalEITC and YCTC Work Together
CalEITC, YCTC, and FYTC are all refundable California tax credits β meaning if they exceed your CA tax liability, you receive a refund for the difference. You can stack all three credits on the same return if you qualify for each. The credits are claimed on California Schedule 3514 (CalEITC) and Schedule 3510 (YCTC/FYTC).
2026 Maximum Credit Amounts
CalEITC β 3+ children: $3,644 | 2 children: $3,259 | 1 child: $1,950 | 0 children: $600
YCTC β up to $1,154 (requires CalEITC + child under 6)
FYTC β up to $1,154 per qualifying foster youth (both spouses = $2,308)
Maximum total: $3,644 + $1,154 + $1,154 = $5,952 (family with foster youth)
YCTC β up to $1,154 (requires CalEITC + child under 6)
FYTC β up to $1,154 per qualifying foster youth (both spouses = $2,308)
Maximum total: $3,644 + $1,154 + $1,154 = $5,952 (family with foster youth)
Example: Family earning $20,000 with 2 children, 1 under age 6
Income: $20,000 | 2 children | 1 under 6 | Single
CalEITC β $2,850 | YCTC: $1,154
Total CA refundable credit: ~$4,004
If CA tax = $200, you receive $4,004 β $200 = $3,804 refund from California
CalEITC β $2,850 | YCTC: $1,154
Total CA refundable credit: ~$4,004
If CA tax = $200, you receive $4,004 β $200 = $3,804 refund from California
Extended
Federal EITC + State Credit Stacking + Income Optimization
Combined federal and state EITC stacking and optimal income analysis
Your combined federal EITC (SSN required) and California credits at your income level.
| Credit | Amount | Refundable? | SSN Required? |
|---|
CalEITC phases in and then phases out. This table shows total credits at different income levels to help you understand the optimal range.
| CA Earned Income | CalEITC | YCTC | Total CA Credit |
|---|
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) for 2026?
The California EITC (CalEITC) is a refundable state tax credit for low-to-moderate income working Californians. For 2026, the maximum credit is approximately $3,644 for families with 3 or more qualifying children, $3,259 for 2 children, $1,950 for 1 child, and $600 for no children. Unlike the federal EITC, CalEITC also allows ITIN filers β you do not need a Social Security number to claim it, as long as you had California earned income.
What is the Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC)?
The Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC) provides up to $1,154 (2026) for taxpayers who qualify for CalEITC AND have at least one qualifying child under age 6 at the end of the tax year. It is fully refundable, meaning even if your CalEITC and YCTC credits exceed your tax liability, you receive the full amount as a refund. The YCTC is claimed on Schedule 3510 of the California return.
What is the Foster Youth Tax Credit (FYTC)?
The Foster Youth Tax Credit (FYTC) provides up to $1,154 (2026) for former foster youth between ages 18 and 25 who qualify for CalEITC. You must have been in foster care in California at or after age 13. The FYTC is also refundable. If both spouses in a joint return are qualifying foster youth, the combined FYTC can reach $2,308.
What are the income limits for CalEITC in 2026?
CalEITC income limits for 2026 (approximate): No children β earned income up to $18,591; 1 child β up to $24,625; 2 children β up to $28,995; 3+ children β up to $30,750. For married filing jointly, the limits are slightly higher. Your California earned income must exceed $1 (you must have earned income), and your total income (California AGI) must not exceed the limit. Investment income must be $11,600 or less.
Can I claim CalEITC with an ITIN instead of a Social Security Number?
Yes β California is unique among states in allowing CalEITC for ITIN filers. As long as you (and your spouse if married) have a valid Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or Social Security Number and have California earned income, you may qualify for CalEITC and YCTC. You must still meet all other requirements including income limits, residency, and qualifying child criteria. This makes CalEITC available to many immigrant workers who do not have SSNs.