Understanding the Golden State Stimulus II

The Golden State Stimulus II (GSS II) was a one-time payment issued by the state of California as part of its COVID-19 relief effort in 2021. It was designed to support low- and middle-income Californians and was based on information from their 2020 state tax returns. This calculator helps you understand what payment you may have been eligible for based on the program's rules.

How GSS II Eligibility and Payments Were Determined

To qualify for the GSS II, California residents had to meet several key requirements:

• California AGI: You must have had a California Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $1 to $75,000 on your 2020 tax return.
• Residency: You must have been a California resident for more than half of the 2020 tax year and a resident on the date the payment was issued.
• Filing Deadline: You must have filed a complete 2020 tax return by October 15, 2021.
• Dependents: You could not be claimed as a dependent by another taxpayer.

The payment amount varied based on whether you received the first stimulus (GSS I) and if you claimed a qualifying dependent. The standard payment was $600, plus an additional $500 for those with at least one dependent. If you already received the GSS I, your GSS II payment was adjusted. For official details, you can visit the Franchise Tax Board (FTB) website for historical information.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the Golden State Stimulus II still available?

No. The Golden State Stimulus II was a one-time relief payment based on 2020 tax filings. The program has concluded and payments are no longer being issued. This calculator is for informational and historical purposes only.

What was the difference between the first and second stimulus checks?

The Golden State Stimulus I (GSS I) was targeted primarily at lower-income Californians, including those who qualified for the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) or filed with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). GSS II expanded eligibility to include middle-income households with an AGI up to $75,000 who did not receive GSS I.

Was the stimulus payment taxable?

No, the Golden State Stimulus payments were not subject to California state income tax. They were also not subject to federal income tax.