According to the State, California has paid out $5 billion to 19 million eligible residents and their families as part of its Middle-Class Tax Refund to help battle the effects of inflation. That figure represents about half of those who will receive checks ranging from $200 to $1,050. The Franchise Tax Board says the state has sent out 10.5 million payments since early October. However, if you have not yet received your refund, you should have it by January 14 – just in time to put it toward those holiday credit card bills.