The 2008 tax season is underway with new and accessible tax-return filing services offered by the Franchise Tax Board (FTB). There will be technological changes too, as nearly one million individuals will be able to use a program that provides a completed tax return called “Ready Return” without additional information or paperwork. Those who earn wages from only one employer and who take the standard deductions and have no dependents can take part in the program.
The FTB’s “Web Pay” allows taxpayers to make payments from their bank account via credit card online. In 2007 close to10 million taxpayers received a state tax refund averaging more than $800. There is also a walk-in service as the FTB has six regional field offices in Los Angeles, Sacramento, Oakland, San Diego, Santa Ana and San Francisco. Consult www.boe.ca.gov/ads/news06.htm for information about certain purchases from non-California sellers, such as by telephone, Internet, mail or in person. FTB also provides a 24-hours toll free phone service at (800) 338-0505. Also, FTB provides more state information in Spanish, Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on January 4, 2008. Read the original PDF.