The California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) kicked off the 2024 tax filing season by providing taxpayers with important information on cash-back tax credits, disaster loss relief, and the advantages of filing electronically.
Taxpayers must pay any taxes owed by April 15 to avoid penalties. The FTB started accepting state tax returns this month. Last year, California had an unusually long filing season due to the states record-breaking winter storms.
The FTB recommends taxpayers gather their tax records ahead of time to help facilitate a smoother tax filing process,” said State Controller and FTB Chair Malia M. Cohen. “I encourage Californians to take advantage of the FTB’s online services, including filing their taxes electronically and choosing direct deposit to a bank account for a quicker refund.”
The following tips and reminders will help you improve your tax filing experience this season.
Avoid phone delays—find your answers online
The FTB recommends taxpayers use online self-service options to avoid potentially long delays when contacting FTB by phone. These resources are available 24/7.
Last year, millions of taxpayers visited the FTB website. Self-service options include: check your refund status, make a payment, should you file?, what form should you file? and finding out processing and wait times.
In 2023, the FTB online Pay web page got almost 2.5 million visits, and the Check Your Refund Status page got more than 5.4 million requests. These resources are designed to help more Californians get the information needed quickly and easily.
One-time penalty abatement relief
California taxpayers may be eligible for a one-time penalty abatement for tax year 2022 and forward. In order to request this penalty relief, taxpayers must comply with all tax return requirements, have not previously been granted abatement, and have no outstanding tax liabilities. FTB started accepting one-time penalty abatement requests last year. For more information, visit the FTB Penalty Abatement Relief web page.
E-file for faster refunds with direct deposit and use CalFile for free
CalFile allows most Californians to e-file their state tax returns with FTB quickly, easily, and for free, with real-time confirmation that the FTB has received them. CalFile is a safe and secure way to file taxes and ensures the fastest refund. Visit the FTB CalFile web page for more information or to e-file.
FTB tax credits: California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC), Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC) expansion, and the new Foster Youth Tax Credit (FYTC)
These credits, which can provide cash back or lower any tax you might owe, are available to Californians with incomes up to $30,950 for CalEITC and up to $30,931 for YCTC and FYTC. CalEITC can be worth up to $3,529, while YCTC and FYTC can be up to $1,117. Individuals earning less than $63,398 may also qualify for the federal EITC. Your family could receive up to $12,076 from CalEITC, YCTC, and the federal EITC.
You can claim CalEITC, YCTC, and FYTC by filing a state tax return. Make sure to file a federal return with the Internal Revenue Service to get the federal EITC. To take advantage of these valuable credits visit the FTB CalEITC web page.
Tax relief for disasters
Taxpayers affected by a disaster declared by the President can claim a deduction for disaster loss. These disasters may include earthquakes, fires, floods or similar events. This claim may be filed with an original or amended tax return. Free copies of tax returns are available to disaster victims whose returns were lost or damaged. (To receive free copies, use Form FTB 3516 and write the name of the disaster in blue or black ink at the top of the request.) To view a complete list of all disasters declared in California, please refer to the chart on the FTB Disaster Loss web page.
Free tax help and FTB services
California taxpayers can get free help with filing their taxes through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. A list of VITA program locations is available on the FTB Free Tax Help web page. Taxpayers may also use taxpayers can use the MYFTB service to view their tax documents, check balances due, send secure messages to FTB staff, and more. Register for MyFTB online.
Additional reminders
Keep your documents in a safe place. Gather all your tax documents for the 2023 tax year and keep them together in a safe place. This will help you prepare your tax records before you file your taxes and avoid any errors that could cause delays in processing. By doing so, you will be in the best position to file an accurate tax return.
Use up-to-date information. When filing a tax return it is essential to make sure the correct, most up-to-date contact information, such as address and phone number, are listed on your return. Having your bank account information up-to-date is crucial to avoid any unwanted complications with your direct deposit. Do not let incorrect details delay your refund—take the time to verify this information before submitting your return.
Protect yourself from scams. Be aware of scams and take measures to protect yourself. Scammers often impersonate IRS or FTB employees and try to trick taxpayers into sending money or providing personal information. Scammers use that personal information to file fraudulent returns and steal refunds. If you receive a suspicious letter from FTB or the IRS, call FTB at 800-852-5711 or the IRS at 800-829-1040. Visit the FTB Letters page or Understanding Your IRS Notice or Letter for more information.
