The amount depends on your income and filing status
The California Middle Class Tax Refund (MCTR) puts money on a debit card, and the amount you receive is based on your 2023 tax return. The state calculates it using your adjusted gross income (AGI) and your filing status — single, married filing jointly, or head of household. There is no single dollar amount that applies to everyone.
The refund ranges from $20 to $1,050 for most filers. The highest amounts go to people with lower incomes, and the refund phases out as income rises. If your AGI was above a certain threshold for your filing status, you do not receive a refund at all.
You can find the exact amount on your refund card itself — the balance appears when you check it online or at an ATM. If you have not received your card yet, the Franchise Tax Board (FTB) website shows your refund amount if you enter your Social Security number and filing status.
Key Takeaways
- Your refund amount is calculated from your 2023 tax return and ranges from $20 to $1,050 depending on your income and filing status.
- Lower-income filers receive the highest amounts; the refund decreases as income increases and stops entirely above a certain threshold.
- You can see your exact refund amount on the debit card balance or on the FTB website using your Social Security number.
- The card is loaded with your full refund amount at once, not in installments, though you can spend it gradually.
Income thresholds that determine your refund amount
California set income limits for who receives the refund and how much. Single filers with an AGI of $75,000 or less receive the full refund. Married filers filing jointly with an AGI of $150,000 or less receive the full refund. Head of household filers with an AGI of $112,500 or less receive the full refund.
Above those thresholds, the refund amount decreases. The reduction continues until your income reaches a second threshold, above which you receive nothing. For single filers, that upper limit is $103,000. For married filing jointly, it is $206,000. For head of household, it is $154,500.
If you filed your 2023 California tax return, you already know whether you fall within these ranges. The FTB used the income figure from that return to calculate your refund, so there is no separate income verification step.
When the card arrives and how to check the balance
The Franchise Tax Board mailed refund cards in batches starting in October 2024. The cards continued to arrive through early 2025, depending on when your 2023 tax return was processed. If you have not received your card, check the FTB website to see whether it has been mailed and what the expected delivery date is.
Once you have the card, you can check your balance online through the card issuer's website, by calling the customer service number on the back of the card, or by inserting the card into any ATM. The balance shows your full refund amount minus any money you have already spent.
The card itself is a Visa debit card issued by a third-party processor. You can use it anywhere Visa is accepted — at stores, online, or to withdraw cash from ATMs. There are no monthly fees for basic use, though some transactions like cash advances may carry charges.
What happens if your card is lost or damaged
If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, contact the card issuer's customer service number (printed on the back of the card if you still have it, or available on the FTB website). The issuer can freeze the card to prevent unauthorized use and issue a replacement.
If you never received your card in the mail, the FTB website allows you to request a replacement or check the status of your original card. You will need your Social Security number and filing status to look up your refund information.
If your card is damaged but still readable, you can usually continue using it. If it stops working, contact the issuer to request a replacement card. The replacement typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
Using the card and spending your refund
The refund card works like any other debit card. You can spend the full amount when ready or gradually over time — there is no important date to use the money. The card does not expire as long as there is a balance on it, though the card itself may eventually expire (the expiration date is printed on the front).
You can use the card to pay bills, buy groceries, withdraw cash, or make online purchases. Some retailers may ask for identification when you use it, particularly for large purchases. If you prefer to move the money to your own bank account, you can withdraw cash at an ATM and deposit it, though this takes an extra step.
The card issuer may charge fees for certain transactions — for example, out-of-network ATM withdrawals or balance inquiries at ATMs outside their network. Check the fee schedule on the card issuer's website to understand what charges explore to your use.
If you did not receive a refund
You do not receive a refund if your 2023 AGI was above the income threshold for your filing status. This is not an error — it is how the program is designed. The refund is specifically for middle-income filers, and the income limits are set by state law.
If you believe your income was below the threshold but you did not receive a refund, double-check the AGI on your 2023 tax return. The FTB used that specific figure to calculate refunds, not gross income or any other measure. If the AGI on your return is below the threshold for your filing status and you still have not received a card, contact the FTB to investigate.
You cannot request a refund if you do not meet the income requirements. The program has no appeals process for people above the income limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my refund as a direct deposit instead of a card?
No. The state issued all MCTR refunds on debit cards only. You cannot change this to a direct deposit to your bank account. However, you can withdraw the money from an ATM and deposit it yourself, or spend it directly from the card.
What if I lost my card and need the money right away?
Contact the card issuer when ready to report the card lost and request a replacement. The replacement typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. In the meantime, you can ask the issuer whether they can provide emergency cash or a temporary card number for online purchases.
Does the refund card count as income for other programs?
The refund itself is not taxable income. However, if you are receiving means-tested benefits like CalFresh or Medi-Cal, depositing the refund into a bank account may affect your asset limits. Contact your benefits program directly to ask how the refund card affects your case.
Can I use the card outside California or outside the United States?
Yes, the card is a Visa debit card and works anywhere Visa is accepted. However, international transactions may carry currency conversion fees and foreign transaction fees. Check the card issuer's fee schedule before using it abroad.
What if someone else received my card by mistake?
Contact the card issuer when ready to report the issue. The issuer can freeze the card and investigate. If money was spent without your permission, report it as fraud. You may also want to contact the Franchise Tax Board to document the delivery problem.