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AB-398 • 2026

Personal income tax: Earned Income Tax Credit.

Personal income tax: Earned Income Tax Credit.

Taxes
Active

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

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

Plain English Breakdown

The effective date is not explicitly listed in the metadata provided, though the text specifies application for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2025.

AB-398: Minimum Earned Income Tax Credit

This law sets a minimum credit of $355 for eligible taxpayers who qualify for the state earned income tax credit starting in taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2025.

What This Bill Does

  • Sets a floor so that if an eligible person's calculated credit is less than $355, they receive $355 instead.
  • Applies to tax years starting on or after January 1, 2025.
  • Authorizes additional payments from the Tax Relief and Refund Account to cover these credits.

Who It Names or Affects

  • Eligible individuals who qualify for the state earned income tax credit but would otherwise receive less than $355.

Terms To Know

Earned Income Tax Credit
A payment or tax reduction given to eligible individuals based on federal rules adjusted by a state factor, calculated as a percentage of earned income and phased out above certain amounts.
Taxable year
The 12-month period used for calculating taxes; this law applies to years starting on or after January 1, 2025.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The bill states 'except as otherwise specified,' meaning other rules in existing law may limit who gets the $355 minimum.
  • The text does not specify the exact total dollar amount needed to fund these payments, only that it authorizes additional payments from a continuously appropriated account.

Bill History

  1. California Legislative Information

    Assembly - Died - Appropriations

Official Summary Text

Personal income tax: Earned Income Tax Credit.