How to pay the California Franchise Tax Board

The California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) accepts payments through several methods: online through their website, by phone, by mail, or in person at an FTB office. Most homeowners pay through the online system or by phone because it's faster and gives you a confirmation number immediately. If you're paying a bill notice the FTB sent you, have that notice handy — it contains the amount due and your account number.

The method you choose depends on how quickly you need to pay and whether you want a paper record. Online and phone payments post within one business day. Mail takes 7 to 10 business days, so if you're close to a deadline, avoid it. In-person payments at an FTB office are same-day but require you to visit during business hours.

Key Takeaways

  • Online payment through the FTB website is the fastest method and gives you an immediate confirmation number you can save or print.
  • Phone payments go through a third-party processor and require your Social Security number, federal employer ID number, or California ID number.
  • Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to reach the FTB, so do not use this method if you are near a payment deadline.
  • The FTB charges a convenience fee for online and phone payments, but not for mail or in-person payments.

Paying online through the FTB website

Go to onlineservices.ftb.ca.gov and select "Make a Payment" from the menu. You'll need your Social Security number or federal employer ID number, your California ID number, and the amount you want to pay. The system will ask whether you're paying a bill notice or making a voluntary payment. If you're paying a notice, enter the notice number from the document the FTB sent you.

The FTB's online system accepts bank account transfers (ACH) and credit or debit card payments. Bank transfers usually cost less in fees — typically $1 to $3 — while credit card payments run $5 to $15 depending on the amount. The payment posts within one business day. You'll receive a confirmation number on screen; write it down or take a screenshot because you'll need it if you ever need to prove you paid.

Paying by phone

Call the FTB's payment line at 1-800-338-0505. Have your Social Security number, federal employer ID number, or California ID number ready, along with your bank account or card information. The phone system is automated and walks you through each step. You can pay with a bank account (ACH) or a credit or debit card.

Phone payments process the same way as online payments — they post within one business day and you'll receive a confirmation number. The convenience fees are identical to online payments. If you have questions during the call that the automated system can't answer, you can request to speak to a representative, though wait times vary.

Paying by mail

Write a check or money order payable to "California Franchise Tax Board." Include your Social Security number or federal employer ID number on the check itself. If you're paying a bill notice, include the notice number and write it on the check as well. Mail your payment to the address shown on your bill notice — the FTB has different mailing addresses depending on which regional office handles your account.

Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to arrive and post to your account. The FTB does not charge a convenience fee for mail payments. If you're paying close to a deadline, do not rely on mail; the postmark date is not the same as the date the FTB receives it. Keep a copy of your check or a photo of the front and back for your records.

Paying in person at an FTB office

The FTB operates regional offices in Sacramento, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego. You can walk in during business hours and pay with cash, check, money order, or debit card. Bring your bill notice or your Social Security number and the amount you owe. In-person payments post the same day.

Office hours and locations vary by region. Check ftb.ca.gov for the address and hours of the office nearest you before you go. In-person payments do not carry a convenience fee. This method works best if you live near an FTB office and need to pay immediately.

Understanding FTB convenience fees

The FTB does not charge the fee itself — a third-party payment processor does. Online and phone payments both use processors that charge between $1 and $15 depending on your payment method and amount. Bank account transfers (ACH) are cheaper than credit cards. The processor discloses the fee before you confirm the payment, so you'll know the total cost before your money leaves your account.

Mail and in-person payments have no convenience fee because they bypass the processor. If you're paying a large amount and want to avoid fees, mail is free but slow. In-person is free and immediate but requires a trip to an office. For most homeowners, the convenience fee is worth the speed of online or phone payment.

What to do if you can't pay the full amount

If you owe money to the FTB but cannot pay it all at once, you can set up a payment plan. The FTB calls this an installment agreement. You can request one online through your FTB account, by phone at 1-800-338-0505, or by mail. The FTB will work with you on a schedule, though interest and penalties continue to accrue on the unpaid balance.

Payment plans are not automatic — you have to request one. The sooner you contact the FTB after receiving a bill, the more options you'll have. If you wait until the FTB has filed a lien or started collection action, your options narrow. Starting a payment plan does not stop interest or penalties, but it does show the FTB you're working to resolve the debt.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my payment went through?

Online and phone payments give you a confirmation number immediately. Write it down or take a screenshot. You can also log into your FTB account online and check the payment history section, which updates within one business day. Mail payments take longer to show up — usually 7 to 10 days.

Can I pay someone else's FTB bill?

Yes, but you'll need their Social Security number or federal employer ID number and the amount they owe. The online system and phone line both allow you to enter someone else's information. The payment will post to their account. Make sure you have the correct account number to avoid paying the wrong person's bill.

What if I paid but the FTB says I still owe?

Interest and penalties continue to accrue until the FTB processes your payment. If you paid by mail, there's a lag of 7 to 10 days before it posts. If you paid online or by phone, it should post within one business day — if it hasn't after two days, contact the FTB with your confirmation number. Keep that confirmation number until the FTB confirms the payment on your account.

Is there a payment deadline I need to know about?

The FTB includes a due date on every bill notice. If you're paying online or by phone, the payment posts within one business day, so pay a day or two before the deadline. If you're mailing a check, mail it at least 10 days early. The postmark date is not the same as the date the FTB receives it, so do not wait until the last day.

Can I set up automatic payments to the FTB?

The FTB does not offer automatic recurring payments through their website. You can set up a one-time payment and repeat it manually each month, or you can request an installment agreement and pay on a schedule you agree to. Some banks allow you to schedule bill payments to the FTB through your own banking app, which is another option.