FTB Service Center Extended Hours (2024)

FAQs

How do I speak to someone from FTB? ›

Customer Service Line (800) 852-5711. Tax Practitioner Hotline (916) 845-7057. Personal Collections (800) 689-4776.

Some tax returns need extra review for accuracy, completeness, and to protect taxpayers from fraud and identity theft. Extra processing time may be necessary. If you received a refund amount different than the amount on your tax return, we'll mail you a letter. Wait for that letter before you contact us.

If you file electronically through the FTB and IRS, you should get a refund in 21 calendar days. You'll also need to request to receive the fund via direct deposit and not have any errors or issues on it. If you file a paper return in California, it could take up to three months to get your refund.

You can check on refund status by phone: 1-800-338-0505 or +1 (916) 845-6500 (outside the U.S.) Weekdays, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can check on refund status by chat. Sign into MyFTB to chat weekdays, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. The refund normally takes up to two weeks to receive if you e-filed and up to four weeks for paper return.

Sophisticated scammers steal personal data from tax preparers and businesses. Preparers and business owners who believe they have been targeted should contact FTB at 916-845-7088 and select option “1.” FTB administers two of California's major tax programs: Personal Income Tax and the Corporation Tax.

If your e-filing status is pending or not updating more than 48 hours after filing your return, you need to go back and make sure that your e-file was successful.

Why is my refund taking so long? A refund will take longer if you file by mail or don't select direct deposit. In addition, if the return is more complex or corrections are needed, it may slow the process down.

We partner with TOP to offset federal payments and tax refunds in order to collect delinquent state income tax obligations. If a taxpayer has a California income tax debt and is entitled to a federal income tax refund, we are authorized to withheld from that refund, or offset it, to pay the balance due.

California has stand-alone law that precludes the Franchise Tax Board (FTB) from collecting any tax liabilities, as defined, in which 20 years have lapsed after the date the latest tax liability, for that taxable year, becomes due and payable, as defined.

As of 2/10/2023 the IRS has changed their guidance on these state tax refunds including the California Middle Class Tax Refund. You can review that IRS notice here. This income is no longer taxable and you will not report the amount on your federal return. Please keep the 1099-MISC for your records only.

Why are CA state refunds taking so long? ›

Why is my California state refund taking so long? Your California state refund may be delayed due to calculation errors and missing or incomplete information on your tax return.

If you file a complete and accurate paper tax return, your refund should be issued in about six to eight weeks from the date IRS receives your return. If you file your return electronically, your refund should be issued in less than three weeks, even faster when you choose direct deposit.

However, you are still welcome to call the Practitioners' Hotline at (916) 845-7057 if you have additional questions about your client's account which you have been authorized as third-party designee.

General Assistance

Email to get help with State services and programs or call 800-807-6755.

A public number is available (800.883. 5910) for taxpayers to contact the Department to request advocate assistance.

Contact an IRS customer service representative to correct any agency errors by calling 800-829-1040 (see telephone assistance for hours of operation).