Tax returns are used by the state government to send Californians money. But some of the people who could most use the money don’t get it if their incomes are low, they may not be required to file taxes, and if they choose not to, they might miss out.
One of the main ways California helps people financially and redistributes wealth is by passing money through the tax system. It’s not just one-time pandemic payments; there are also yearly payments, called refundable tax credits, that provide thousands of dollars to lower-income people through the tax system.
Tax returns are used by the state government to send Californians money. If someone's income is low, they may not be required to file taxes, and if they choose not to, they might miss out. Story from @CalMatters.