Where to pay California taxes on the state website

California offers two official online payment channels: the Franchise Tax Board (FTB) website for income tax, and the Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) website for sales tax and other fees. Both accept payments directly from your bank account or by credit card, though bank transfers cost nothing while cards carry a processing fee.

For income tax, go to ftb.ca.gov and look for the payment section. You will need your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, the tax year you are paying for, and the amount owed. The FTB processes payments the same business day if submitted before 11:59 p.m. Pacific time on a weekday.

For sales tax, use taxes.cdtfa.ca.gov. If you are a business filing returns, you log in with your CDTFA account number. The system shows what you owe based on your filed return and lets you pay immediately or schedule a future payment date.

Key Takeaways

  • The Franchise Tax Board website (ftb.ca.gov) handles income tax payments and processes them the same business day if you submit before midnight Pacific time.
  • Bank account transfers have no fee, but credit or debit card payments charge a processing fee that varies by payment processor.
  • You need your Social Security number, tax year, and the amount owed to complete an income tax payment online.
  • Businesses paying sales tax use the CDTFA website (taxes.cdtfa.ca.gov) and log in with their CDTFA account number.
  • Payments made on weekends or holidays are processed the next business day, not the same day.

Payment methods and fees

California's official payment portals accept bank transfers (ACH debit) and credit or debit cards. Bank transfers are free and are the lowest-cost option. Card payments charge a convenience fee set by the payment processor — this fee is separate from your tax bill and is added to the total you pay. The exact percentage varies depending on which processor handles your transaction, typically ranging from 1.5% to 2.5% of the payment amount.

You can also pay by check or money order by mail, though this takes longer and does not provide the same-day confirmation. Mail payments to the address listed on your tax notice or on the FTB or CDTFA website. Include your Social Security number or CDTFA account number on the check so the payment reaches the correct account.

Do not use third-party payment services or tax software companies to pay unless you are certain they are sending money directly to the state. Some services charge their own fees on top of state fees, and delays can occur if the payment goes through an intermediary.

What information you need before you start

For income tax payments through the FTB, gather your Social Security number or ITIN, the tax year you are paying for (for example, 2023 or 2024), and the exact amount you owe. If you received a notice of tax due, have that document nearby — it lists the amount and any penalties or interest added to your original bill.

For sales tax payments through the CDTFA, you will need your CDTFA account number, which appears on your registration certificate or on any notice the state sent you. Have your filed return information available so you can confirm the amount owed before submitting payment.

If you are paying on behalf of someone else or a business, you may need a power of attorney or authorization letter on file with the state. Contact the FTB or CDTFA directly to confirm what documentation they require before you attempt to pay another person's or entity's taxes.

Timeline from payment to confirmation

Payments submitted online before 11:59 p.m. Pacific time on a business day are processed the same day. You receive a confirmation number immediately after submission, and the state records the payment in your account within 24 hours. If you submit on a weekend or holiday, processing begins the next business day.

Bank transfers typically clear within one to two business days. Card payments clear faster, often within hours, but the processing fee is higher. Once the state receives and records your payment, it updates your account balance and stops charging interest on that portion of the debt.

If you need proof of payment for your records, the confirmation number from the online portal serves as your receipt. You can also log back into your FTB or CDTFA account to view payment history and print a record.

Paying taxes you owe from previous years

Payments made online can be directed toward any tax year you owe for. When you enter the amount and tax year on the FTB or CDTFA website, specify which year the payment covers. If you owe for multiple years, you can make separate payments for each year or pay a lump sum and note in a separate message which years it should cover.

If you have unpaid taxes from several years, the state applies payments in a specific order: first to the oldest debt, then to penalties and interest, then to more recent years. You can contact the FTB or CDTFA to request a different allocation if you have a reason to prioritize a particular year.

Payments do not reduce penalties or interest automatically — the state continues to charge interest on unpaid balances until the full amount is paid. Making a payment stops interest from accruing on the amount you paid, but not on any remaining balance.

Setting up automatic or scheduled payments

Both the FTB and CDTFA allow you to schedule a payment for a future date. This is useful if you know you owe but do not have the funds immediately, or if you want to time the payment with a paycheck or business deposit. Log into your account, select the payment option, and choose a future date. The payment will process automatically on that date.

You can also set up recurring payments if you owe estimated taxes or regular sales tax. The state will debit your bank account on the schedule you choose. Canceling a scheduled payment must be done before the processing date — once a payment has been submitted, you cannot reverse it online.

If you miss a scheduled payment date or want to change the amount, log back into your account and update the details. The state does not automatically retry failed payments, so if your bank account lacks sufficient funds, the payment will not go through and you will need to resubmit.

Troubleshooting common payment problems

If your payment is rejected, the most common reasons are an incorrect Social Security number or CDTFA account number, insufficient funds in your bank account, or a card that has expired or been flagged for fraud. Check that you entered your identifying number correctly — even one digit off will cause the payment to fail. If using a bank account, confirm you have enough funds available.

If you submitted a payment but do not see it reflected in your account after 24 hours, log back into the FTB or CDTFA portal and check your payment history. The confirmation number from your submission will show the status. If the payment shows as processed but your account balance has not updated, wait another business day — the state's records sometimes lag behind the payment system by a few hours.

If you believe a payment was processed twice or if you have other questions about a specific transaction, contact the FTB at 1-800-338-0505 or the CDTFA at 1-888-792-4900. Have your confirmation number and the date of payment ready when you call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay California taxes with a credit card without a fee?

No. Credit and debit card payments always carry a processing fee charged by the payment processor, typically 1.5% to 2.5% of the amount paid. Bank transfers (ACH debit) have no fee. If you want to avoid the card fee, use your bank account instead.

What if I pay more than I owe?

The state will credit the overpayment to your account. You can request a refund, have it applied to next year's estimated taxes, or leave it on account. Contact the FTB or CDTFA to request how you want the overpayment handled.

Do I need to mail a check if I pay online?

No. Once you submit an online payment and receive a confirmation number, do not mail a check for the same amount. The online payment is complete and official. Mailing a duplicate check will result in an overpayment.

Can I pay someone else's California taxes online?

You can pay if you have their Social Security number or CDTFA account number and the amount owed. However, the state may require a power of attorney or written authorization on file before processing a payment made by someone other than the taxpayer. Contact the FTB or CDTFA to confirm what documentation you need.

What happens if I submit a payment but then file an amended return?

The payment remains on your account. If your amended return shows you owe less, the state will credit the difference. If it shows you owe more, you will need to make an additional payment for the new amount owed.