How to Pay Your California Franchise Tax Board Bill

What the California Franchise Tax Board payment process looks like

The California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) is the state agency that collects income tax. When you owe them money — whether from a tax bill, a penalty, or interest — you have several ways to pay. The method you choose depends on how quickly you need to pay, whether you want a record right away, and whether you prefer to avoid fees.

Payment is separate from filing your return. Even if you file electronically, you still choose how to send the money. The FTB accepts payments online, by phone, by mail, and through automatic bank withdrawals. Each route has different timing and different costs.

Key Takeaways

• You can pay the FTB online at onlineservices.ftb.ca.gov, by phone at 1-800-338-0505, by mail, or through automatic bank withdrawal.
• Online and phone payments through a third-party processor charge a convenience fee (usually 1.87% to 2.5% of the amount), but direct bank withdrawal has no fee.
• Payments made online or by phone are typically processed within one business day, while mailed checks take 7 to 10 days to reach the FTB.
• If you cannot pay in full, you can set up a payment plan through the FTB's installment agreement process.
• The FTB considers a payment received on the date it is processed, not the date you submit it, so timing matters if you are close to a deadline.

Paying online or by phone with a convenience fee

The fastest way to pay is through the FTB's online payment portal at onlineservices.ftb.ca.gov or by calling 1-800-338-0505. Both routes use a third-party payment processor, and both charge a convenience fee. The fee is a percentage of what you pay — typically between 1.87% and 2.5% — and is added to your bill at the time of payment.

Online payments show up in your FTB account within one business day. Phone payments are processed the same way. You will receive a confirmation number immediately, which serves as your receipt. If you are paying a bill that is already overdue, paying online or by phone stops additional interest from accruing on the day the payment is processed, not the day you submit it.

You will need your Social Security number or federal employer identification number, your California driver's license or ID number, and the amount you want to pay. Have your bank account or credit card information ready if you are paying by phone.

Paying by automatic bank withdrawal with no fee

If you want to avoid the convenience fee, you can authorize the FTB to withdraw money directly from your bank account. This is called an electronic funds withdrawal (EFW), and it costs nothing. You set it up through onlineservices.ftb.ca.gov or by calling 1-800-338-0505.

You choose the date the withdrawal happens — it can be the same day you set it up or any date in the future. The FTB processes the withdrawal on the date you select, so if you choose a date before a deadline, the payment counts as received on that date. This method takes 1 to 2 business days to clear from your bank account.

You will need your bank routing number and account number. The FTB does not charge a fee, though your bank may charge a fee for allowing a government agency to withdraw funds — check with your bank first if you are unsure.

Paying by mail

You can mail a check or money order to the FTB. Include your Social Security number or FEIN on the check itself. The FTB's mailing address is on your bill or on the FTB website.

Mailed payments take 7 to 10 days to arrive and be processed. The FTB considers the payment received on the date it is processed, not the date you mail it. If you are close to a deadline or if your bill is accruing interest daily, mailing is the slowest option and will cost you more in interest. Keep a copy of the front and back of your check or a photo of your money order for your records.

Setting up a payment plan if you cannot pay in full

If you owe money but cannot pay it all at once, the FTB offers installment agreements. You can request one through onlineservices.ftb.ca.gov, by phone at 1-800-338-0505, or by mail. The FTB will work with you to set up a monthly payment schedule.

While you are on a payment plan, interest and penalties continue to accrue on the unpaid balance. The longer you take to pay, the more you will owe in total. The FTB may also place a lien on your property if the debt is large enough, though this is more common with bills over $5,000.

To request an installment agreement, you will need to provide information about your income, expenses, and assets. The FTB uses this to determine what monthly payment you can afford. Some agreements are approved quickly; others require review.

Understanding payment deadlines and interest

California tax returns are due on the same date as federal returns — typically April 15. If you owe money when you file, that amount is due by the same date. If you file late or pay late, the FTB charges interest on the unpaid balance. Interest accrues daily and compounds.

The FTB also charges penalties for late payment and late filing. These are separate from interest and are calculated as a percentage of the tax owed. Paying as soon as possible, even if you cannot pay in full, reduces how much interest and penalties you will owe.

If you are disputing a bill or believe the FTB made an error, you can file a protest. Paying the bill does not waive your right to protest, and paying does not mean you agree with the amount. Paying stops interest from accruing while your protest is being reviewed.

What to do if your payment fails or is rejected

If you attempt to pay online or by phone and the transaction is declined, you will receive an error message. Common reasons include insufficient funds, an incorrect account number, or a mismatch between the name on your account and the name you provided to the FTB.

If your payment fails, try again with a different payment method. If you used a debit card, try a credit card or bank account withdrawal instead. If the problem persists, call 1-800-338-0505 to speak with an FTB representative. Do not assume the payment went through if you did not receive a confirmation number.

If you mailed a check and it was lost or never arrived, contact the FTB with the date you mailed it and the check number. The FTB can search their records and may be able to locate it. If it cannot be found, you will need to pay again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does paying online cost more than paying by phone?

No. Both online and phone payments use the same third-party processor and charge the same convenience fee. The fee is a percentage of the amount you pay, typically 1.87% to 2.5%. Direct bank withdrawal has no fee.

What if I pay after the deadline?

Late payments trigger interest and penalties. Interest accrues daily on the unpaid balance. Penalties are calculated as a percentage of the tax owed. The sooner you pay, even if it is late, the less interest you will owe.

Can I pay with a credit card?

Yes, through the online portal or by phone. Credit card payments are subject to the same convenience fee as debit card payments. Some people use credit cards to earn rewards, but the fee often exceeds the reward value.

How do I know if my payment was received?

Online and phone payments generate a confirmation number immediately. Mailed checks take 7 to 10 days to process. You can check the status of your payment through onlineservices.ftb.ca.gov or by calling 1-800-338-0505.

What if I overpay by mistake?

The FTB will hold the overpayment as a credit on your account. You can request a refund, or you can apply the credit to a future tax bill. Refunds are processed within 30 to 45 days.