TT is saying I am getting a CA state refund when I didn’t pre-pay taxes. I am self-employed and didn’t make much but didn’t pre-pay (I told TT this). My tax should be zero but no refund, right?

It sounds as if you are receiving the CA Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) which is a refundable credit. A refundable credit is a credit you get as a refund even if you don’t owe any taxes or pay any taxes.

You must meet the following requirements to be eligible for the CalEITC.

• Be at least 18 year old or have a qualifying child
• Have earned income between $1 and $30,950
• Have a valid SSN or ITIN for your qualifying children, you and your spouse (if MFJ)
• Live in CA for more than half of the year
• Not be eligible to be claimed as a dependent of another taxpayer unless you have a qualifying child
• Not be the qualifying child of another taxpayer.

For more information, refer to the following articles from the CA Franchise Tax Board website: 

California Earned Income Tax Credit and CalEITC Eligibility and credit information.