Activate Center Back Taxes Owed : Middle Class Tax Refund
Activate Center Back Taxes Owed : Middle Class Tax Refund
The California Middle Class Tax Refund Card (“MCTR Card”) is a prepaid debit card distributed to qualified recipients that contains the Middle Class Tax Refund (“MCTR”) payment, a one-time payment to provide relief to qualified Californian personal income tax filers.
You are eligible if you:
- Filed your 2020 tax return by October 15, 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.
- Meet the California adjusted gross income (CA AGI) limits;
- Were a California resident for six months or more in the 2020 tax year;
- Were not eligible to be claimed as a dependent in the 2020 tax year; and
- Are a California resident on the date this payment is issued.
To learn more about the Middle Class Tax Refund payment amounts and to estimate your payment, visit ftb.ca.gov/MyEstimate.
San Diego County flood relief
San Diego County individuals and businesses impacted by severe storms and flooding that began on January 21, 2024, qualify for an extension to file, and pay taxes until June 17, 2024.
This includes:
- 2023 individual income tax returns and payments normally due on April 15, 2024.
- Quarterly estimated tax payments normally due on April 15, and June 15, 2024
- Calendar-year 2023 partnership, limited liability company, and S corporation returns normally due on March 15, 2024.
- Calendar-year 2023 corporate and fiduciary income tax returns and payments normally due on April 15, 2024.
- Calendar-year 2023 returns filed by tax-exempt organizations normally due on May 15, 2024.
- Passthrough Entity Elective Tax that is due on March 15, 2024
Note: Only San Diego County was granted the extension to file and pay taxes until June 17, 2024. Residents and businesses located outside of San Diego County must file and pay by the normal established deadlines. Revenue and Taxation Code section 18572, relating to the postponement of certain tax deadlines, is suspended for the State of Emergency declared on February 4, 2024, and the State of Emergency declared on March 22, 2024.
How will I receive my payment?
If you qualify, you will receive either a direct deposit payment to your bank account or a payment by the MCTR prepaid debit card. You will receive your payment by direct deposit if you filed your 2020 return electronically and indicated direct deposit for your tax refund. Otherwise, you will receive your payment by MCTR prepaid debit card. Taxpayers receiving payment by the MCTR prepaid debit card include:
- Taxpayers who filed a paper return.
- Taxpayers who received their tax refund by check regardless of filing method
- Taxpayers who had a balance due for their 2020 tax return
- Taxpayers who received their Golden State Stimulus I and/or II payment(s) by check
- Taxpayers who received an advanced refund from their tax service provider, or paid their tax preparer fees using their tax refund.
When will I receive my MCTR Card?
How do I activate my Card?
If you have received a MCTR Card and want to activate it, call 1-800-240-0223. For cards that have two names embossed, the cardholder shown first must call to activate the card.
Your MCTR Card will arrive in a white envelope that prominently displays the California state seal and includes “California Middle Class Tax Refund” in the return address. The envelope also states that it is “Not a bill or advertisement.
Important information about your Middle Class Tax Refund.” The Visa® name will appear on the front of the Card; the back of the Card has the name of the issuing bank, My Banking Direct, a service of New York Community Bank. Information included with the Card will explain that the Card is your Middle Class Tax Refund Debit Card.
What are some other common tax-related scams?
Here are a few other common tax-related scams to be aware of:
- Phishing Emails: Scammers send fake emails pretending to be from the IRS or other tax authorities. They ask for personal information, such as Social Security numbers or bank account details. Always verify the sender’s legitimacy before responding to any tax-related email.
- Impersonation Calls: Scammers call, claiming to be IRS agents or tax professionals. They threaten legal action, arrest, or deportation if you don’t pay immediately. Remember that the IRS does not make threatening calls or demand immediate payment over the phone.
- Fake Refunds: Scammers promise large tax refunds and ask for upfront fees or personal information. Be cautious if someone promises an unusually high refund or asks for payment in advance.
- Tax Relief Scams: Fraudsters offer to settle your tax debt for a fee. They may claim to have special programs or connections with the IRS. Always verify such claims through official channels.
- Social Security Number Scams: Scammers call, saying your Social Security number has been compromised. They ask for payment or personal details. The IRS will never call you about your Social Security number.
Remember to stay vigilant and verify any tax-related communication through official channels! 😊🔍
