Tax Planning

Can't Access Your Middle Class Tax Refund In California? Get Help!

by
Bob Mason
on
10/17/2022
Can't Access Your Middle Class Tax Refund In California? Get Help!

The State of California has begun issuing gas refund cards to eligible residents ahead of schedule. 

Although direct deposits began on October 7, debit cards weren't slated to begin arriving in Californians' mailboxes until later in the month. 

Qualified taxpayers are set to receive one-time payments between $400 and $1,050 for couples who filed jointly or between $200 and $700 for those who filed individually. The amount is based on 2020 tax return information. 

However, although people are receiving the funds, many are reporting problems when they attempt to activate their debit cards. The Los Angeles Times shared a story from Jose Ahumada, who has found himself unable to use his $350 tax refund to pay for daily essentials like groceries, gasoline, and credit card payments. 

He told the Times, "The website and customer-service numbers don't provide any help or assistance, and the only way to activate the card is via phone."

Ahumada tried both the English and Spanish language customer service phone lines to no avail, and he isn't the only person having trouble. Reports of problems have been running rampant on social media, with one Twitter user calling out Governor Gavin Newsom directly, "Gavin, middle class tax relief debit cards are no able to activate! I have $700 I can't do anything with not even transfer into my checking account! Please fix the site immediately!"

How to get help with your California tax refund debit card

Per the Times, the phone number listed on the debit cards themselves was updated to respond to callers on Monday evening, October 17. If, however, you are still having issues activating your card via this method, there are other ways to get assistance. 

  • Visit the Franchise Tax Board website. The official website of the California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) provides details about the Middle Class Tax Refund. You can find eligibility requirements and information about how to determine the amount you are owed. The site directs Californians to call 800-542-9332 for help. 
  • Visit the MCTR Payment website. The official website of the Middle Class Tax Refund debit cards offers more information for those who are struggling with activation. It directs Californians to call 800-240-0223 and provides details about spending limits and fees. Online account access is also available.
  • Contact the Franchise Tax Board another way. The FTB offers a variety of contact methods, including live chat, email, and county-by-county phone numbers. Visit the department's contact page for more information.

If you are eligible for the MCTR but haven't yet received your funds, don't worry. Authorities have stated that the last payments aren't likely to arrive until January 2023. 

What do you think about the MCTR snafu in California?

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Bob Mason

Bob Mason

Bob Mason is the founder of Coast Financial Services Inc. servicing both the Santa Cruz, and San Jose areas. Bob Mason is a skilled financial professional who is fully equipped to assist any of your accounting needs. Founding his firm in Santa Cruz, Bob understands the importance of small businesses and how they form the backbone of the area. Coast Financial Services, Inc. has been dedicated to the growth and profitability of businesses in Santa Cruz for 17 years. To learn more about Bob Mason and the rest of his team, visit their website.

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