October 10, 2026 - Sacramento – The Franchise Tax Board (FTB) reminds taxpayers that Thursday, October 15, 2026, is the final deadline to file their 2025 state personal income tax returns.

“Every dollar matters for families working hard to make ends meet,” said State Controller and FTB Chair Malia M. Cohen. “If you haven’t filed your tax return yet, make sure you claim the credits you qualify for, including the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC). About 3.2 million individuals and families have benefited from CalEITC, and I want every eligible Californian to receive the tax relief they deserve.”

As of September 28, FTB had received 18 million personal income tax returns in 2026, a small increase from 17.8 million at this time last year. So far, 14 million refunds have gone out, with an average refund of $1,486, which is up from $1,400 at this time last year.

File for free, free tax help, and FTB’s online self-service options

File directly with us for free! Taxpayers can e-file by using FTB’s CalFile program. E-filing provides faster refunds, increased accuracy, and immediate confirmation. FTB recommends taxpayers opt for direct deposit to their bank accounts to ensure a timely and safe refund.

Taxpayers may also be able to get free tax help through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs. These services can help with completing tax forms, understanding what to do if you owe money, and checking whether you qualify for valuable tax credits. Visit the Get Free Tax help to learn more about these important programs.

To avoid potential delays, taxpayers are encouraged to use FTB’s 24/7 online self-service options to check refund status, make a payment, delay your bill payment, what form you should file and view processing and wait times.

Cash-back credits

The California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) provides important support for hardworking Californians with low incomes. If you qualify, you could receive up to $3,756 in cash back or reduce your tax burden. Additionally, CalEITC may open the door to other benefits, such as the Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC) and the Foster Youth Tax Credit (FYTC). To find out if you qualify for CalEITC or related tax credits, visit the eligibility and credit information page. Check out our easy-to-use calculator to uncover your potential CalEITC and other cash-back credits, and visit ftb.ca.gov/caleitc.

Protect yourself from scams

Scammers may pose as IRS or FTB employees to deceive taxpayers into sending money or sharing personal information. Common scams include texts, emails, calls, fake websites, and fraudulent mail. To protect yourself:

• Do not reply to text messages, download attachments, or click on any links in texts or emails.
• If you are unsure, contact FTB directly to verify the request.

Visit our notices and letters page, as well as our information on text message scams, to learn more about these types of fraud. If you believe you were scammed, suspect tax fraud, or think your information was stolen, please report it to us.

Taxpayers with questions on specific topics can contact us at 1-800-852-5711.