FTB California: Business suspended, certificate of revival ignored since 2021. Help!

Ugh, dealing with the FTB is such a pain. I've been there, buddy. It took me months to get my business back in good standing. Have you tried calling them directly to check on the status of your revival certificate?

To answer your questions: 1. Yes, you can usually pay over the phone if they give you an amount. Just make sure you have a credit card or bank account info ready. 2. It's common for them to ask for your SSN to verify your identity, but always double-check you're talking to a legit FTB rep before giving out that info. Hope this helps!

I found a way to actually get someone on the phone without waiting forever. I used this site's (claimyr.com) calling tool that dials the phone menu, stays on hold, waits for a live agent to pick up, then sends the call to my phone. It does cost $20, but it works. Here's the link: https://www.claimyr.com

The FTB is such a joke. I swear they purposely make everything complicated just to collect more late fees and penalties. The whole system needs an overhaul.

Have you considered hiring a tax attorney or CPA to help you navigate this? They might be able to expedite the process and ensure everything is done correctly.

Pro tip: Keep a detailed log of all your calls and interactions with the FTB. Note down dates, times, who you spoke to, and what was discussed. This can be super helpful if you need to escalate your case later.

lol welcome to the wonderful world of California bureaucracy 🤡 where nothing makes sense and everything takes forever

Hey OP, I work as an accountant and deal with the FTB often. Here's what you need to know: 1. Certificate of Revival: These can take time to process, especially if there were any errors in your submission. Double-check that all info was correct. 2. Payment over the phone: Yes, you can pay via phone if they provide an amount. They accept credit/debit cards and e-checks. 3. SSN request: This is standard procedure for identity verification. However, always ensure you're speaking with an actual FTB representative. 4. Next steps: - Request a status update on your revival certificate - Ask for a detailed breakdown of any taxes owed - If the revival is taking too long, consider filing a complaint or requesting to speak with a supervisor 5. Documentation: Keep records of all communications, payments, and submitted forms. Remember, persistence is key when dealing with the FTB. Don't be afraid to follow up regularly and escalate if necessary. Good luck!

Have you checked your business entity status on the Secretary of State website? Sometimes the FTB and SOS don't communicate well, and your business might actually be active there.

I went through something similar last year! The FTB had my LLC suspended for over 18 months despite submitting all the paperwork correctly. What finally worked for me was sending a certified letter with copies of all my documentation (revival certificate, payment receipts, etc.) directly to their Sacramento office. Include a cover letter explaining the timeline and requesting immediate action. I also cc'd my state assemblyman's office - sometimes a little political pressure helps move things along. Within 3 weeks of sending that letter, my business was finally revived. Don't give up - the squeaky wheel gets the grease with these agencies!