How to Report a Person Filing Fraud W-2 Withholding in California

Individual taxpayers and businesses in California have a legal obligation to accurately report income and earnings and to pay relevant taxes. You can report suspected tax fraud to the California Franchise Tax Board if you think a person or business is filing fraudulent information on a W-2 withholding, or otherwise evading taxes.

Instructions

1. Compile your information. Gather as many facts as possible on the fraudulent withholding, including who you suspect of committing fraud, how the fraud is being committed and how you became aware of the fraudulent activity.

   The California Franchise Tax Board lists the kind of information to include in a fraud report, including identification of the person or business, marital status of a person, availability of documentation and information on assets.

2. Review the frequently asked questions about fraud reporting on the FTB website. They will explain the process for reporting fraud and let you know what to expect.

   The key points to know are: you can report anonymously, if desired; you will not be updated on the status of any investigation, even if you identify yourself; there is no reward for reporting fraud.

3. File an online fraud report with the FTB by providing as much information as possible in the forms provided.

4. Call the FTB at 800-540-3453 if you want to discuss how best to report your information.

References

• California Franchise Tax Board: Reporting Income Tax Fraud
• California Franchise Tax Board: Reporting Income Tax Fraud: Frequently Asked Questions