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AB-397 • 2026

Personal Income Tax Law: young child tax credit.

Personal Income Tax Law: young child tax credit.

Children Taxes
Active

The official status still shows this bill as active or still awaiting another formal step.

Sponsor
Mark González
Last action
Official status
Assembly - Died - Appropriations
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official text states the bill 'would' make changes, but metadata indicates it passed; however, no final effective date or specific new age number is provided in the source material.

AB-397: Changing the Age Rule for the Young Child Tax Credit

This law changes the age rule for children to qualify for a tax credit starting in taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2025.

What This Bill Does

  • Changes the definition of a 'qualifying child' from under 6 years old to younger than a specified age as of the last day of the year.
  • Applies these changes to tax years that begin on or after January 1, 2025.
  • Increases payments made from the Tax Relief and Refund Account for amounts over what is owed in taxes.
  • Includes specific goals, performance indicators, and data collection rules required by law for new tax spending.

Who It Names or Affects

  • Taxpayers who claim a young child tax credit on their state income tax return.
  • Children whose age determines if they qualify for the credit under the new rule.
  • The Tax Relief and Refund Account, which provides funds for these payments.

Terms To Know

Young Child Tax Credit
A reduction in state income tax or a cash payment given to taxpayers with young children.
Qualifying Child
A child who meets specific age and other rules set by the law to make their parent eligible for the credit.
Tax Relief and Refund Account
A state fund that holds money used to pay tax credits when they are larger than the taxes owed.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The official text does not say exactly what the new age limit is, only that it will be a 'specified age.'
  • The effective date for this law has not been listed in the provided information.
  • The specific amount of money added to payments from the Tax Relief and Refund Account is not detailed.

Bill History

  1. California Legislative Information

    Assembly - Died - Appropriations

Official Summary Text

Personal Income Tax Law: young child tax credit.