The California Franchise Tax Board kicked off the 2025 tax filing season with information for taxpayers regarding cash-back tax credits, disaster loss relief, and the advantages of filing and making payments electronically.
Taxpayers must pay any taxes owed by April 15 to avoid penalties.
“I encourage all California taxpayers to file their taxes early to take advantage of valuable tax credits that can provide essential financial resources to themselves and their families,” said State Controller and FTB Chair’s online services, including e-filing and selecting direct deposit to a bank account, which can significantly expedite their refunds.”
E-file is Faster
File your taxes for free using the IRS Direct File and the Franchise Tax Board’s CalFile. CalFile allows most Californians to e-file their state tax returns quickly, easily, and for free.
Eligible Californians can file their federal taxes online using Direct File, and then they will be directed to CalFile to complete their state return. Direct File provides a simple way to file federal tax returns securely and accurately.
For information about Direct File eligibility, visit www.directfile.irs.gov.
Find Answers Online
Taxpayers are encouraged to use the 24/7 online self-service options to avoid potentially long delays when contacting FTB. Last year, millions of taxpayers visited the website at www.ftb.ca.gov.
Self-service options include checking your refund status, making a payment, determining whether you should file, figuring out which form to file and viewing processing and wait times.
Cash Back Credits
For tax year 2024, Californians with income up to $31,950 might qualify for the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC), which can provide cash back or lower any tax owed. Those eligible for CalEITC and with a child under six may receive up to $1,154 from the Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC). For the tax year 2022 forward, no earned income is required to receive YCTC if all other CalEITC and YCTC requirements are met.
In addition, those earning less than $66,819 may also qualify for the federal EITC. Between CalEITC, YCTC, and the federal EITC, a family can receive up to $12,628.
The Foster Youth Tax Credit (FYTC) provides up to $1,154 per eligible individual or up to $2,308 if both the primary taxpayer and spouse/registered domestic partner qualify.
CalEITC, YCTC, and FYTC can be claimed by filing a state tax return, while the federal EITC is claimed on a federal return. For a calculator to estimate your credits and more, visit ftb.ca.gov/caleitc.
Disaster Tax Relief
You may deduct any loss you suffered that was caused by a President or Governor declared disaster in California. Free copies of tax returns are available to disaster victims whose returns were lost or damaged.
To receive these free copies, use Form FTB 3516 and write the name of the disaster in blue or black ink at the top of the request. For more information, including a complete list of all disasters declared in California, refer to FTB’s disaster loss webpage.
Electronic Payments
The FTB offers several payment options to taxpayers. You can make direct deposit payments from your bank account via the Web Pay service, pay with a credit card (fees apply), or set up payment plans if you qualify (also subject to fees). For more information on all the payment options, visit www.ftb.ca.gov/pay.
Additional Reminders
In California, taxpayers can access free tax assistance through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. To find a list of VITA program locations, visit ftb.ca.gov/vita.
Additionally, taxpayers can use MyFTB to view their tax documents, check balances due, send secure messages to FTB staff, and more. For additional free tax filing options, visit ftb.ca.gov/efile.
Taxpayers should be vigilant against scams and take steps to protect themselves. Scammers often impersonate the IRS or FTB employees to trick taxpayers into sending money or providing personal information, which they can use to file fraudulent returns and steal refunds.
If you receive a suspicious letter from the FTB or IRS, contact FTB at 800.852.5711 or the IRS at 800.829.1040. For information, check the FTB Letters page or the Understanding Your IRS Notice or Letter.
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Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
VITA focuses on helping community members that face the largest barriers to tax services. This includes community members living in poverty, living with disabilities, who speak English as a second language, or don’t have transportation.
Use this Tax Prep Checklist to help you prepare so you are ready to file and maximize your refund.
You can also reach your financial goals through My Money Path provided by United Ways of California.
For local assistance, make an appointment with Project Scout, run by the Seniors Council. Visit https://seniorscouncil.org/project-scout/
To volunteer for VITA, fill out the form at www.unitedwaysc.org/form/vitavolunteer and United Way will reach out to you.