Nonrefundable Renter's Credit
The Nonrefundable Renter’s Credit is a California state tax credit available to individuals who paid rent for at least six months in 2025 on their principal residence located in California. This credit can reduce your state tax liability, but it cannot result in a refund if it exceeds your tax owed.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must have paid rent for at least six months in 2025.
- Residence must be located in California.
- Must be your principal residence.
How to Claim the Credit
To claim the Nonrefundable Renter’s Credit, you must complete the Nonrefundable Renter’s Credit Qualification Record, which is included in the California state tax forms booklet. The credit is reported on Form 540, Form 540NR, or Form 540-2EZ, depending on your filing status.
- Form 540: Line 46 — Nonrefundable Renter’s Credit
- Form 540NR: Line 61 — Nonrefundable Renter’s Credit
- Form 540-2EZ: Includes a section for Nonrefundable Renter’s Credit Qualification Record
When filing electronically using OLT (Online Taxes) software, you can navigate to the State section, select "Credits," and choose "Nonrefundable Renter’s Credit" to complete the qualification process automatically.
Reporting and Calculation
The credit amount is entered on the appropriate line of your California state tax return. For Form 540NR, the total credit from Section B1 (column b) is entered on line 61. The credit is then applied to reduce your tax liability, as shown on line 63 (subtracting line 62 from line 42). If the credit exceeds your tax, enter -0-.
Important Notes
- The credit is nonrefundable — it can only reduce your tax to zero, not result in a refund.
- Complete the qualification record included in the tax booklet or use e-filing software to determine eligibility and amount.
- Do not claim the same credit more than once on your return.
Source:
Schedule P (540NR) Instructions
Schedule P (540) Instructions
Form 540NR Booklet
Form 540-2EZ Booklet
Form 540 Booklet
Disclaimer: Always verify details with official Federal or State Department of Revenue Forms and Instructions.