topic CA Income tax refund amount is more than I paid in CA taxes in State tax filing

CA Income tax refund amount is more than I paid in CA taxes

pats2942 — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 09:52:07 GMT

I enter $138 from my W-2 box 17. Those are the only taxes (other than SS) that I paid.

My CA refund is $325.

It seems strange that I received a larger refund than total CA taxes I paid.

ErnieS0 — Sun, 29 Jan 2023 16:50:44 GMT

Check your Form CA 540 lines 75-77. California has tax credits that are added to your refund amount.

Earned Income Tax Credit. The California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) is up to $3,417 for tax year 2022 as a working family or individual earning up to $30,000 per year.
Young Child Tax Credit. The Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC) provides a credit up $1,083 per tax return for Californians who qualify for CalEITC and have a child under 6 years old.
Net Premium Assistance Subsidy.

pats2942 — Sun, 29 Jan 2023 23:43:19 GMT

That answers my question. Thank you for your help.