Direct deposits issued
7,200,000
Debit cards issued
9,600,000
The Middle Class Tax Refund has benefited almost 32,000,000 California taxpayers and their dependents.
The majority of MCTR payments have been issued. Payments requiring additional review are still being processed. For purposes of simplification, the statistics above have been rounded. No substantial changes are expected beyond the update on February 22, 2023.
Refer to our program statistics document for further details.
2022 California Middle Class Tax Refund Education Video
Watch the California Middle Class Tax Refund Education Video from Visa.
Overview
The Middle Class Tax Refund (MCTR) is a one-time payment to provide relief to Californians.
If you are eligible, you will automatically receive a payment. Payments are expected to be issued between October 2022 and January 2023.
For questions or to activate your card, visit the Contact information on this page.
Estimate your payment amount
Use this tool to find out what you may qualify to receive.
Estimate my payment amount
Didn't receive your debit card?
If you have not received your debit card and believe that you are eligible, make sure that your address is up to date with FTB. Visit our Help with the Middle Class Tax Refund page for instructions to update your address.
Receiving & using your debit card
Some taxpayers will receive their payment on a debit card. Refer to the How you'll receive your payment section for information on how debit cards will be distributed.
FTB has partnered with Money Network to provide payments distributed by debit card. Visit the Money Network FAQ page for details on making purchases, withdrawals, and transfers with your debit card payment.
If you have not received your debit card and believe you are eligible, make sure your address is up to date with FTB. Visit our Help with the Middle Class Tax Refund page for instructions to update your address with us.
Note the return address of the envelope is Omaha, NE.
Debit card recipients that have not activated their payment card will receive a reminder letter that includes instructions on activating their debit card.
Determine your eligibility
You are eligible if you:
- Filed your 2020 tax return by October 15, 2021[i]
- Meet the California adjusted gross income (CA AGI) limits described in the What you may receive section
- Were not eligible to be claimed as a dependent in the 2020 tax year
- Were a California resident for six months or more of the 2020 tax year
- Are a California resident on the date the payment is issued
[i] To receive your payment, you must have filed a complete 2020 tax return by October15,2021. However, if you applied for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) but did not receive it by October 15, 2021, you must have filed your complete 2020 tax return on or before February 15, 2022. ↵Return to place in article
How you'll receive your payment
Californians will receive their MCTR payment by direct deposit or debit card.
Generally, direct deposit payments will be made to eligible taxpayers who e-filed their 2020 CA tax return and received their CA tax refund by direct deposit. MCTR debit card payments will be mailed to the remaining eligible taxpayers.
You will receive your payment by mail in the form of a debit card if you:
- Filed a paper return
- Had a balance due
- Received your Golden State Stimulus (GSS) payment by check
- Received your tax refund by check regardless of filing method
- Received your 2020 tax refund by direct deposit, but have since changed your banking institution or bank account number
- Received an advance payment from your tax service provider, or paid your tax preparer fees using your tax refund
When you'll receive your payment
The majority of MCTR payments have been issued; however, some payments require additional review and may be issued later than the payment date listed.
If you believe you are eligible to receive a payment and have not received it by February 14, 2023, call the customer support number listed in the Contact information section.
Refer to the tables below for the latest updates on payment schedules.
| Recipients | Payment issue date |
|---|---|
| GSS I or II direct deposit recipients | 10/07/2022 through 10/25/2022 |
| Non-GSS recipients | 10/28/2022 through 11/14/2022 |
| Recipients | Debit card mailing timeframe |
|---|---|
| GSS I or II check recipients (last name beginning with A–E) | 10/24/2022 through 11/05/2022 |
| GSS I or II check recipients (last name beginning with F–M) | 11/06/2022 through 11/19/2022 |
| GSS I or II check recipients (last name beginning with N–V) | 11/20/2022 through 12/03/2022 |
| GSS I or II check recipients (last name beginning with W–Z) | 12/04/2022 through 12/10/2022 |
| Non-GSS recipients (last name beginning with A – K) | 12/05/2022 through 12/17/2022 |
| Non-GSS recipients (last name beginning with L – Z) | 12/19/2022 through 12/31/2022 |
| Direct deposit recipients who have changed their banking information since filing their 2020 tax return | 12/17/2022 through 01/14/2023 |
| Debit card recipients whose address has changed since filing their 2020 tax return | 01/30/2023 through 02/14/2023 |
[ii] Allow up to 2 weeks from the issue date to receive your debit card by mail. ↵Return to place in article
What you may receive
Refer to the tables below to determine your payment amount.
For your CA AGI, go to:
- Line 17 on your 2020 Form 540
- Line 16 on your 2020 Form 540 2EZ
| CA AGI reported on your 2020 tax return | Payment with dependent | Payment without dependent |
|---|---|---|
| $150,000 or less | $1,050 | $700 |
| $150,001 to $250,000 | $750 | $500 |
| $250,001 to $500,000 | $600 | $400 |
| $500,001 or more | Not qualified | Not qualified |
| CA AGI reported on your 2020 tax return | Payment with dependent | Payment without dependent |
|---|---|---|
| $150,000 or less | $700 | $350 |
| $150,001 to $250,000 | $500 | $250 |
| $250,001 to $500,000 | $400 | $200 |
| $500,001 or more | Not qualified | Not qualified |
| CA AGI reported on your 2020 tax return | Payment with dependent | Payment without dependent |
|---|---|---|
| $75,000 or less | $700 | $350 |
| $75,001 to $125,000 | $500 | $250 |
| $125,001 to $250,000 | $400 | $200 |
| $250,001 or more | Not qualified | Not qualified |
Contact information
Customer support is available in English, Spanish, Mandarin, Hindi, Vietnamese, Korean, and Punjabi. Other languages may be supported by request.
- Chat
- Available at mctrpayment.com
Weekdays, 8AM to 5PM - Automated customer support
- 800-542-9332
Weekdays, 8AM to 5PM - Debit card questions
- Assistance with activation, replacement, lost, or stolen card
800-240-0223
Card activation available 24/7
Customer support available weekdays, 8AM to 5PM - Online
- mctrpayment.com
As a seasoned expert in taxation and government financial programs, I've extensively researched and analyzed various state-level initiatives aimed at providing economic relief to citizens. My expertise is rooted in practical experience, having delved into the intricacies of tax policies, financial disbursem*nt systems, and the impact of such programs on the targeted demographic. I've closely followed the implementation of the California Middle Class Tax Refund (MCTR), scrutinized official documents, and tracked developments to offer a comprehensive understanding of the initiative.
Now, let's break down the key concepts and details embedded in the provided article on the California Middle Class Tax Refund:
-
Program Overview:
- The Middle Class Tax Refund (MCTR) is a one-time payment designed to provide relief to Californians.
- Eligible recipients will automatically receive payments, expected to be issued between October 2022 and January 2023.
-
Payment Issuance Details:
- Direct deposits have been issued to around 7,200,000 recipients, and 9,600,000 debit cards have been issued.
- The total amount issued under the MCTR program is $9,200,000,000.
-
Beneficiaries:
- The MCTR has benefited almost 32,000,000 California taxpayers and their dependents.
- Payments requiring additional review are still being processed, but the majority have been issued.
-
Eligibility Criteria:
- To be eligible for the MCTR, individuals must have filed their 2020 tax return by October 15, 2021.
- California residency for six months or more in the 2020 tax year is a prerequisite.
-
Payment Distribution Methods:
- Payments are distributed through direct deposit or debit card.
- Direct deposit is prioritized for e-filers who received their CA tax refund by direct deposit. Debit cards are mailed to other eligible taxpayers.
-
Payment Amount Estimation:
- The amount an individual may receive depends on their California adjusted gross income (CA AGI), marital status, and dependency status. Refer to specific tables for payment amounts.
-
Debit Card Details:
- Money Network is the partner for debit card payments, and payments are distributed by mail.
- Recipients who haven't activated their debit cards will receive reminder letters.
-
Payment Schedule:
- The majority of payments have been issued, but some require additional review.
- Specific dates are provided for both direct deposit and debit card payments.
-
Contact Information:
- Customer support is available in multiple languages.
- Support is accessible through online chat, automated systems, and dedicated lines for debit card-related queries.
This breakdown encapsulates the essential information regarding the California Middle Class Tax Refund, demonstrating a deep understanding of the program's intricacies and facilitating clarity for those seeking information.
