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Has anyone tried contacting their state representative about this? I've heard they can sometimes help push things along with state agencies.
Hey Sarah, I'm actually going through something similar right now! Got a 1099-G last month for unemployment benefits I never received. What helped me was calling the EDD first (not FTB) to see if there's a claim in my name - turns out someone had filed fraudulently. The EDD fraud hotline is 1-800-229-6297. Also, definitely freeze your credit if you haven't already. The whole process is a pain but you'll get through it! Keep us posted on what you find out.
As someone who's been through this process multiple times, I'd recommend starting with the FTB's Small Business Workshop series - they're free and cover the basics really well. Also, make sure you're registered for the right business entity type with the Secretary of State, as that affects your FTB obligations. One thing that caught me off guard my first year was the minimum franchise tax - even if you have no income, you still owe $800 for LLCs and corporations. Budget for that early! And definitely keep digital copies of everything - the FTB loves documentation.
Just wanted to add - if you're dealing with financial hardship due to job loss, make sure to ask about the FTB's hardship programs when you call. They have options for people in tough situations that might help reduce penalties or set up more flexible payment arrangements. Also, document everything! Write down the date you called, who you spoke with, and any reference numbers they give you. This saved me when there was confusion about my cancellation later. Wishing you the best of luck, Maya!
This is such great advice! I didn't know the FTB had hardship programs - that could be a real lifesaver for people in tough spots. The documentation tip is gold too. I've learned the hard way that keeping records of every call saves so much hassle later. Maya, definitely ask about both the hardship options and getting everything in writing. You've got this! 💪
Maya, sorry to hear about your job situation - that's really tough timing with tax season. I actually work in customer service (not for FTB, but similar government agency) and can give you some insider tips to make this easier. Call right when they open at 8am - you'll get through much faster. When you get someone on the line, immediately say "I need to cancel an automatic tax payment that was set up through TurboTax due to financial hardship from job loss." This signals to them exactly what department you need and that you have a legitimate reason. They're usually much more helpful when they understand it's a hardship situation rather than just wanting to cancel for convenience. Also, don't hang up until you get a confirmation number - that's your proof the cancellation went through. Hope this helps and things turn around for you soon! 🤞
Carmen, this is incredibly helpful advice! The tip about calling right at 8am is brilliant - I never would have thought about timing it that way. And I love how you phrased what to say upfront about the hardship situation. That makes total sense that they'd be more understanding when they know the full context rather than thinking someone's just being flaky about payments. The confirmation number tip is clutch too. Thank you so much for sharing your insider knowledge - it's people like you who make these stressful situations so much more manageable! 🙏
pro tip: if you cant get through on the phone, try reaching out to them on Twitter. Sometimes their social media team can help or at least escalate your issue.
I had this exact same issue last year! The FTB system automatically generates these notices even when the waiver should apply. Since you incorporated in March 2022, you're definitely eligible for the initial year minimum tax waiver. When I called, they fixed it immediately once I explained the situation - turns out their computer system hadn't properly flagged my S-Corp status. Make sure to mention your incorporation date and that you filed your S-Corp election on time. Also, if you get pushback, ask to speak to a supervisor. The regular reps sometimes don't know about the waiver rules.
Chloe Delgado
Hey OP, have you checked out r/smallbusiness? They have a lot of resources and discussions about handling various business taxes, including franchise taxes. Might be worth a look!
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Molly Hansen
As someone who's been through this process, I'd recommend starting with the FTB's online resources first - their website actually has some decent calculators and forms that can help you figure out what you owe. If you're dealing with a straightforward situation, you might be able to resolve it without calling at all. But if you do need to call, try early morning (like 8 AM sharp) or late afternoon - those seem to be the best times to get through. Also, have ALL your paperwork ready before you call because they'll ask for specific account numbers and tax years right away. Good luck!
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