Help with CA FTB issues for small business - tips and experiences needed
Hey everyone, I'm dealing with some California Franchise Tax Board issues for my small business. Anyone else in the same boat? What's been your experience? Any tips on how to navigate this process smoothly?
18 comments


Marcus Williams
Ugh, the FTB can be such a pain to deal with. I've been through it before. What specific issues are you having?
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Jessica Suarez
•Just trying to figure out how to file correctly and make sure I'm not missing anything. It's my first year dealing with this and I'm a bit overwhelmed.
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Marcus Williams
•Gotcha. My advice? Get a good accountant if you can afford it. They can save you so much headache (and potentially money) in the long run.
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Jessica Suarez
•Thanks for the tip! I'll look into finding an accountant. Any recommendations on how to find a reliable one?
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Lily Young
I found a method to 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 about it: https://youtu.be/XbqD8mexcoQ
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Kennedy Morrison
•Sounds too good to be true. Does it really work? 🤔
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Lily Young
•It does! I was skeptical at first too, but it saved me hours of hold time. Totally worth the $20 imo.
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Wesley Hallow
•Idk man, paying to talk to a government agency feels wrong. Shouldn't this be free?
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Lily Young
•I get where you're coming from, but for me, time is money. I'd rather pay $20 than waste half a day on hold. 🤷♂️
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Justin Chang
Here's my comprehensive guide to dealing with the California Franchise Tax Board for small businesses: 1. Stay organized: Keep all your financial records in order. This includes income statements, balance sheets, and tax returns. 2. Understand your obligations: Familiarize yourself with the specific requirements for your business type and size. 3. File on time: Late filings can result in penalties. Set reminders and file early if possible. 4. Use the online services: The FTB's website has many self-service options that can save you time. 5. Seek professional help: Consider hiring a CPA or tax attorney, especially for complex issues. 6. Communicate proactively: If you're having issues, don't ignore them. Reach out to the FTB. 7. Know your rights: Familiarize yourself with the Taxpayers' Bill of Rights. 8. Plan for taxes: Set aside money throughout the year so you're not caught off guard. Remember, dealing with taxes is part of running a business. Stay calm, be proactive, and don't hesitate to ask for help when needed.
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Jessica Suarez
•Wow, this is incredibly helpful! Thank you so much for taking the time to write this out. 🙏
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Grace Thomas
•Great advice! I'd add: keep an eye on legislative changes. Tax laws can change, and it's important to stay updated.
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Hunter Brighton
Am I the only one who thinks the whole system is rigged against small businesses? 😤 It's like they WANT us to fail!
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Dylan Baskin
•Preach! 🙌 Sometimes it feels like we're just here to fund the government's pet projects.
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Lauren Wood
•C'mon guys, it's not that bad. Yeah, it's complicated, but there are resources out there to help. We just gotta learn the ropes.
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Ellie Lopez
Pro tip: If you're having trouble understanding something, don't be afraid to call and ask for clarification. I've found most FTB employees are actually pretty helpful if you're polite.
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Chad Winthrope
Anyone else feel like they need a law degree just to run a small business these days? lol
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Paige Cantoni
•For real tho 😂 Between taxes, regulations, and all the paperwork, it's like a full-time job just staying compliant!
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