www.taxprofessionals.com - TaxProfessionals.com
Posted by Esther N. Phahla, CPA, A Professional Corporation

Know More About California Franchise Tax Board

Know More About California Franchise Tax Board

In spite of the expensive cost of living, California remains to be among the most desired state for Americans to live in and that’s due to a couple of good reasons. The nice warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters kind of weather is one of the things that people love about the state. In addition, the state represents a  variety of cultures, huge entertainment companies and tourist destinations which are in almost every corner such as Disneyland and Universal Studios. There are many great local colleges and universities standing tall for years that has produced a lot of influential and professional people as well.

California may be one of the most developed states in the U.S but just like all other states, it also comes with a pretty good deal of state personal income tax and corporate income tax collected by the California Franchise Tax Board (FTB). In this article, we will discuss the role of CA FTB and the services they offer to all the residents of the State of California.

What does the California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) do?

The California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) collects state personal income tax and corporate income tax to all California residents and is also part of the California Government Operations Agency. It’s composed of the California State Controller, the director of the California Department of Finance, and the chair of the California Board of Equalization. The executive officer of the FTB is the chief administrative official.

The board’s mission as stated on their website is to provide services and information to taxpayers and help them accurately and timely file their income tax returns. It’s their job to make sure that the proper amount owed is paid. They take pride in having the most knowledgeable and engage employees to cater the needs of the taxpayers with fairness, integrity, and responsibility in managing the resources provided to them.

When was CA FTB formed?

It all started when the state constitution was first adopted by the State of California in 1879 and has created a lot of programs including the State Board of Equalization and the State Controller which administers all the programs related to tax. The Franchise Tax Commissioner, later on, was created by the state legislature in 1929 to manage California’s Bank and Corporation Franchise Tax Act. As the Franchise Tax Commissioner was eliminated by 1950, California then created the Franchise Tax Board as what people know today.


What are the tax programs offered by CA FTB?

The Franchise Tax Board Website offers services and information to individuals and businesses. Filing for your tax return can be done electronically through their website allowing you to file, pay, and follow up or receive your tax refund.  For businesses, aside from doing your tax payments, their website also provides filing requirements for any business status for tax purposes such as LLC and S Corporation, notices and collections, among others. Nonresidents can also file their tax return provided they have all the required documentation when filing. 


There are several payment options you can choose as well such as through Bank Account, Credit Card, and Mail Check or Money Order for both individuals and businesses. Furthermore, the FTB also collects delinquent vehicle registration debt collections on behalf of the California Department of Motor Vehicles and delinquent court-ordered debt. Financial audits to state office candidates, ballot proposition committees, and lobbyists are also done by FTB in accordance with the random selection process conducted by the California Fair Political Practices Commission.

Is it possible to talk to an actual person at CA Franchise Tax Board?

Here are the following ways and most commonly used in talking to an actual operator at FTB:


  • Call 1.800.852.5711 and ask for someone to accommodate your questions about your business. It’s automated and will ask you the language you prefer to use, give you the options, and bring you to the right person.
  • Call 1.888.635.0494 if you want to talk to the business entity line that takes care of tax payments collections and other business entity related questions. Options will again be provided and will bring you to the right person.

To find more contact information related to tax collections, non-tax collections and other important matters, visit their website at https://www.ftb.ca.gov and go directly to the Contacts page.


Esther N. Phahla, CPA, A Professional Corporation
Contact Member