FTB Franchise Tax Payment Not Going Through - Help!

Ugh, I feel your pain. The FTB website can be such a nightmare sometimes. Have you tried using a different browser or clearing your cache? That sometimes helps with payment issues.

I found a way to actually get someone on the phone at FTB. 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 a video about it: https://youtu.be/XbqD8mexcoQ

Have you tried mailing in a check? I know it's old school, but sometimes the low-tech solution is the way to go when the website is being a pain.

Oof, franchise tax issues are the worst. 🤮 I've been dealing with FTB for years and it never gets easier. Make sure you document everything - screenshots, confirmation numbers, the works. You might need it later if they try to say you didn't pay on time.

Here's a comprehensive guide to troubleshooting FTB payment issues: 1. Check your internet connection and try a different device. 2. Clear your browser cache and cookies. 3. Ensure you're using a supported browser (Chrome, Firefox, or Edge are usually best). 4. Double-check all your payment information for accuracy. 5. Contact your bank to make sure there are no holds or issues on their end. 6. Try making the payment during off-peak hours (early morning or late evening). 7. If possible, use a different payment method (e.g., switch from credit card to bank transfer). 8. Check the FTB website for any reported system issues or maintenance. 9. As a last resort, consider mailing a check or money order. If none of these work, you may need to contact FTB directly. Be prepared for long wait times, and have all your information ready when you call.

lol welcome to the wonderful world of California taxes 🤡 where nothing works and we all suffer together

Have you tried turning it off and on again? 😜 jk jk... but seriously, sometimes logging out completely, waiting a few minutes, and logging back in can help reset things on their end.

I had a similar issue a few weeks ago! What finally worked for me was calling FTB's automated payment line at 1-888-792-4900. You can make payments over the phone without having to wait for a human agent. There's a small convenience fee (I think it was like $2.50), but it beats the frustration of dealing with the website when it's acting up. Just have your SSN/ITIN and bank account or card info ready. Hope this helps!

Another thing to check - make sure your payment amount matches exactly what FTB expects. Sometimes if there's even a penny difference from what they calculated vs what you're trying to pay, the system will reject it. I learned this the hard way after multiple failed attempts. You can usually find the exact amount due on your notice or by logging into your FTB account. Also, some payment processors have daily limits, so if it's a large amount, that might be causing issues too.

I've been through this exact same nightmare! What worked for me was using an incognito/private browser window. Sometimes the FTB website gets confused with stored cookies and session data. Also, make sure you're not using any browser extensions that might interfere with the payment process (like ad blockers or password managers). I had to disable my VPN too - apparently FTB doesn't like it when your IP address looks suspicious. Give those a try before you go the phone route!