< Back to California Franchise Tax Board

FTB claims they didn't receive tax returns after previously confirming receipt - Possible scam?

Has anyone else had issues with the FTB claiming they didn't receive tax returns that were already confirmed as received? I sent my 2018-2020 returns multiple times through my CPA, and last year an FTB rep confirmed they got them. Now I'm getting calls saying they don't have them. I'm worried it might be a scam, but I'm not sure. What should I do when I talk to them next?

Jayden Reed

Ugh, dealing with the FTB is such a nightmare. I've been in a similar situation and it's so frustrating. Here's what I'd suggest: • First, double-check with your CPA to make sure they have records of sending the returns. • When you talk to the FTB, ask them to verify their records thoroughly. Sometimes different departments don't communicate well. • Request a secure way to resend the documents if they insist they don't have them. • Keep detailed notes of every conversation, including dates and names of who you spoke with. • If possible, try to get everything in writing or recorded (with their permission). • Consider reaching out to the Taxpayer Advocate Service if you keep hitting roadblocks. Good luck, OP! The system is broken, but hopefully you can get this sorted out.

0 coins

-

Nora Brooks

This is solid advice 💯 I'd add that you should also check if theres been any address changes or name changes that could've messed things up in there system.

0 coins

-

5M

Eli Wang

Taxpayer Advocate Service is a lifesaver! They helped me resolve a similar issue last year. Definitely give them a shot if things get too complicated.

0 coins

-

5M

Grace Johnson

Thanks for the detailed response! I'll definitely follow up with my CPA and start keeping better records of my conversations with the FTB. Fingers crossed this gets resolved soon.

0 coins

-

5M

Cassandra Moon

I swear the FTB is just playing games with us at this point. How can they lose tax returns multiple times? It's ridiculous. I've been dealing with them for months and it's like talking to a brick wall.

0 coins

-

Zane Hernandez

Preach! 🙌 I'm convinced they have a dartboard with taxpayer names and just randomly decide who to mess with each day.

0 coins

-

5M

Genevieve Cavalier

lol that would explain alot. maybe we should start a support group for FTB victims 😂

0 coins

-

5M

Ethan Scott

Hey, I found a way to actually get someone on the phone at the 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 explaining it: https://youtu.be/XbqD8mexcoQ

0 coins

-

Lola Perez

Sounds too good to be true. Has anyone else tried this?

0 coins

-

5M

Nathaniel Stewart

20 bucks to avoid hours on hold? Sign me up! But seriously, is this legit?

0 coins

-

5M

Ethan Scott

I get the skepticism, but it really did work for me. Saved me a ton of time and frustration. Worth every penny imho.

0 coins

-

5M

Riya Sharma

Have you considered that the recent call might actually be a scam? There's been a lot of tax-related fraud going around lately. Maybe double-check with the official FTB number before giving out any info.

0 coins

-

Santiago Diaz

OP, what exactly did the FTB rep say when they called you? Did they ask for any personal information or try to get you to make a payment over the phone? That could be a red flag.

0 coins

-

Grace Johnson

They didn't ask for any payments, just said they needed my returns. But you're right, I should've asked for more details. I'll be more careful next time.

0 coins

-

5M

Millie Long

I work in accounting and see this kinda thing all the time. The FTB's systems are notoriously outdated. Sometimes returns get 'lost' in their digital filing system even tho they physically received them. Keep pushin and don't let em off the hook!

0 coins

-

KaiEsmeralda

This is why we need better funding for government tech infrastructure. It's 2024 and were still dealing with systems from the 90s smh

0 coins

-

5M

Debra Bai

Plot twist: what if the call from last year confirming they received your returns was the actual scam? 🤔 jk jk... unless? 👀

0 coins

-

Gabriel Freeman

Bruh 💀 don't even joke about that, my anxiety can't take it lmao

0 coins

-

5M