California Tax Refund Concerns: What to Know About Missing Stimulus Payments

The Middle Class Tax Refund (MCTR) stands as a crucial one-time payment designed to alleviate the financial burden caused by escalating costs for Californians. According to the California Franchise Tax Board (FTB), this relief initiative has positively impacted nearly 32,000,000 California taxpayers and their dependents.

To qualify for the MCTR, individuals must fulfil specific criteria:

1. File their 2020 tax return by October 15, 2021.
2. Meet the California adjusted gross income (CA AGI) limits.
3. Not eligible to be claimed as a dependent in the 2020 tax year.
4. Reside in California for six months or more during tax year 2020.
5. Maintain California residency on the date the payment is issued.

The FTB reports that the majority of MCTR payments have already been disbursed. However, certain payments may require additional review, potentially causing delays beyond the initially indicated payment date.

For recipients who believe they are eligible but have not received their payment by February 14, 2023, a thorough review of bank account statements is recommended to ensure that the payment was not overlooked. Most qualified individuals received their payments between October 2022 and February 2023. Checking bank statements for a deposit from “FTB MCT REFUND MCT REFUND” is advised.

If the expected deposit is absent, individuals can verify the status of their California state refund online at https://webapp.ftb.ca.gov/refund/login. This online platform necessitates the input of specific information, including the Social Security Number, address numbers (if applicable), zip code, and the exact amount of the refund. After entering these details, users can click on “Check your refund.”

Alternatively, individuals can inquire about their refund status via telephone by calling 1-800-338-0505 or +1 (916) 845-6500 (for those outside the U.S.) during the operational hours of Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. For a more interactive approach, individuals can log in to MyFTB and use the chat feature available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Those who prefer traditional correspondence can request the status of their refund by sending a letter to the Franchise Tax Board at P.O. Box 942840, Sacramento, CA 942840-0040. This multifaceted approach aims to ensure that eligible individuals receive the deserved relief and promptly address any concerns regarding the MCTR payment process.