Why don't I qualify for the California Earned Income Tax credit? I read all of the requirements and it looks like I meet them.

Here are my details: I earned approximately $20,000 in W-2 wages in California I lived in California for the entire year I am over 18 years old I am being claimed as a dependent on someone else’s federal return I am not filing Form 2555 or 2555-EZ I have no qualifying children As I understand it, CalEITC eligibility allows dependents to claim the credit, even if they are ineligible for the federal EITC. Could you please help me confirm how to correct this?

1797

Expert Alumni

Mar 31, 2025 9:49:00 PM

You don't qualify for the CA EITC if you are claimed as a dependent on someone else's return without a qualifying child. Please review the eligibility requirements below:

You’re at least 18 years old or have a qualifying child
Have earned income of at least $1 and not more than $31,950
Have a valid Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for you, your spouse/RDP, and any qualifying children
Live in California for more than half the filing year
Not be eligible to be claimed as a qualifying child of another taxpayer
Not be eligible to be claimed as a dependent of another taxpayer unless you have a qualifying child.

Refer to the CA FTB website CA EITC Eligibility and credit information.

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Why don't I qualify for the California Earned Income Tax credit? I read all of the requirements and it looks like I meet them.