How to File a California State Tax Return

File California state income tax returns by mail or electronically.

California is one of 43 states demanding residents who meet minimum income requirements to file a state tax return along with their federal income tax return each year. California's Franchise Tax Board requires residents to file their state tax return by Apr. 15 of each tax year either by mail or electronically. Electronically submitted tax returns are processed faster than paper returns, which results in receiving any refunds that may be due to you more quickly.

Things You'll Need

• Form 540
• Income Tax Information
• Personal Information
• Credits
• Deductions

Instructions

File by Mail

1. Obtain a copy of Form 540, California Resident Income Tax Return from any California government office, post office or the California Franchise Tax Board's Web site.

2. Enter the required information onto Form 540 using the Form 540 Instructions. The instructions for Form 540 will guide you through the process of filling out Form 540 one line at a time, explaining what information is to be entered onto each line and how to figure out where to find that information on your tax forms. Information from your federal tax return is used to complete Form 540.

3. Review your California tax return for errors. Once the information on Form 540 is correct, sign and date your return and mail it to the appropriate address. For income tax forms with no amount due or a refund due to you mail your return to:

   Franchise Tax Board
   Post Office Box 942840
   Sacramento, CA 94240-0002

   For income tax forms with an amount due mail your return to:

   Franchise Tax Board
   Post Office Box 942867
   Sacramento, CA 94267-0001

File Electronically

1. Log on to the California Franchise Tax Board's Web site to electronically file your California income tax return by choosing the tab marked "Individuals" at the top of the homepage and clicking on the "E-file" link.

2. Choose from the list of income tax preparation providers listed and approved by California's Franchise Tax Board and click on the link for the company you'd like to use to prepare your California income tax return electronically. Each company will guide your through the process of filling out your tax return, making the process simple using prompts and guides.

3. Follow the prompts on the income tax preparation Web site of your choice and enter the information required. Once all of your information has been entered review your tax return for errors and click the "Submit Tax Return" button once you're satisfied your return is correct.

Tips & Warnings

• California Individual Income Tax Returns must be filed no later than the 15th of April for the preceding tax year.

References

• Ftb.ca.gov: State of California Franchise Tax Board

Resources

• Ftb.ca.gov: Form 540
• Ftb.ca.gov: Form 540 Instructions