Californians have been eagerly waiting for news about more financial relief, but as of January 2025, the state has no plans for new stimulus checks. The last state-level relief program, the Middle-Class Tax Refund, distributed payments of $200 to $1,050 between October 2022 and January 2023 to help residents manage rising costs.
However, there’s good news for some taxpayers! The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is issuing federal stimulus payments of up to $1,400 for eligible individuals across the U.S., including Californians. These payments are part of an ongoing effort to ensure that everyone who missed out on previous stimulus rounds receives the money they’re entitled to.
Who Qualifies for These Payments?
To qualify, you must meet specific criteria:
- Filed a 2021 Tax Return: You might still be eligible if you submitted your 2021 taxes but didn’t claim the Recovery Rebate Credit or accidentally reported $0.
- Non-Filers: There’s still time if you haven’t filed a 2021 tax return yet. The IRS allows individuals to claim the credit by filing their return before the April 15, 2025 deadline.
How Much Can You Receive?
The maximum payment is $1,400 per person. Payments are sent automatically through direct deposit or paper checks based on your tax filing information. Recipients will also receive a separate notification letter from the IRS confirming their payment.
What to Do If You Haven’t Received Your Money
If you believe you qualify but haven’t received your payment by the end of January, double-check your 2021 tax return details. You may want to consult the IRS website or speak with a tax professional to resolve any issues.
What’s Next for Californians?
While the federal government handles these payments, Californians should not expect additional stimulus checks from the state shortly. Keep an eye out for official IRS and the California Franchise Tax Board updates to ensure you don’t miss out on any potential financial assistance.
If you’re still unsure about your eligibility, now is the time to act, don’t leave money on the table!
