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California FTB Dispute? Get Expert Guidance.
The Franchise Tax Board is aggressive in pursuing taxpayers. Schedule a consultation to discuss your FTB audit, residency dispute, or appeal.
The California FTB Is One of the Most Aggressive Tax Agencies in the Country
California’s Franchise Tax Board pursues taxpayers with an intensity that often exceeds the IRS. Residency audits, income sourcing disputes, and penalty assessments can result in significant additional tax — plus California’s steep 20% accuracy penalty on top of federal amounts.
Whether you’ve received an FTB audit notice, are disputing a residency determination, or need to file a protest or appeal, having counsel who understands the FTB’s tactics is essential.
- Defend against FTB residency audits and safe harbor challenges
- Contest income sourcing determinations for multi-state businesses
- Navigate the FTB protest and State Board of Equalization appeal process
- Negotiate penalty abatement and installment agreements with the FTB
What to Expect
After You Book Your Call
Not a receptionist or a call center. You’ll be speaking with a trained member of our intake team who can meaningfully assess your situation.
We’ll discuss your situation, explain what’s at stake, and outline the realistic paths forward. If we’re not the right fit, we’ll tell you that.
The consultation is free and completely confidential. No engagement fees until we’ve discussed your situation and mutually agreed on a path forward.
How It Works
Three Simple Steps
1
Book
Choose a time that works for you.
2
Talk
15 minutes with our team. No obligation.
3
Plan
We’ll map out your options and next steps.
Confidential • No Obligation • Same-Day Available
Common Questions
California FTB FAQs
How does California determine tax residency?
California uses a facts-and-circumstances test that examines where you maintain your closest connections — including your home, family, professional ties, bank accounts, and even social club memberships. The FTB looks at the totality of evidence, and the burden of proof is on the taxpayer to demonstrate they are not a California resident.
What is the safe harbor rule for California residency?
California’s safe harbor provides that individuals who are domiciled outside California and spend fewer than 45 days in the state during a tax year are considered nonresidents. However, the FTB frequently challenges safe harbor claims by scrutinizing travel records, cell phone data, and credit card statements.
Can the FTB audit me if I’ve already moved out of California?
Yes. The FTB routinely audits former residents for 3-4 years after they claim to have left the state. They look for evidence that the move wasn’t genuine — continued California connections, return visits, and financial ties all factor into their determination.
What penalties does the FTB impose?
The FTB’s accuracy-related penalty is typically 20% of the underpayment, plus interest that accrues at a rate significantly higher than the IRS. For fraud, the penalty jumps to 75%. These amounts can make a manageable tax bill into a crushing financial burden.
Get Started Today
Book Your Free 15-Minute Call
Schedule a brief call with our team to discuss your California FTB matter. We’ll assess where things stand and outline your options — confidentially and without obligation.
- Completely confidential — protected by attorney-client privilege
- Every situation is different — you’ll receive a custom assessment tailored to yours
- Same-day and next-day appointments available
If you have read this far, you have a notice and you are trying to understand it before doing anything that makes it worse. That instinct is correct.
The next right move is a 15-minute call. We will identify the audit type, confirm your deadline, and tell you honestly whether you need representation. There is no cost and no obligation.
Get a Candid Assessment — FreeOr call us directly at (619) 378-3138