Where to pay California taxes on the web

California offers three main online payment channels: the Franchise Tax Board (FTB) website for income tax, the Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) website for sales tax, and the Franchise Tax Board's phone system for those who prefer voice-guided payment. Each route handles a different tax type and uses different payment methods.

For income tax, you go to onlineservices.ftb.ca.gov. For sales tax, you use onlineservices.cdtfa.ca.gov. Both sites accept credit cards, debit cards, and electronic bank transfers. The phone system (1-888-792-4900) lets you pay income tax by phone using a debit or credit card, though you cannot use it for sales tax payments.

Payment is not the same as filing. You can file your return through tax software, mail, or the FTB website, then pay separately through any of these channels. You do not have to file and pay through the same route.

Key Takeaways

  • Income tax payments go through onlineservices.ftb.ca.gov or by phone at 1-888-792-4900; sales tax payments go through onlineservices.cdtfa.ca.gov.
  • You can pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic bank transfer on both websites, though credit card payments include a processing fee.
  • Payment confirmation appears on screen immediately, and the state receives the payment within one to two business days for bank transfers or the same day for card payments.
  • You need your Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, your tax year, and the amount owed before you start.
  • Payments made after the due date incur late penalties and interest, even if you pay online.

What you need before you pay

Gather these documents before logging in: your Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), your California tax return or notice of tax due, and the tax year you are paying for. If you are paying on behalf of a business, you will need the business tax account number instead of a personal ID number.

Know the exact amount you owe. If you received a notice from the FTB or CDTFA, the amount is on that notice. If you filed a return and calculated tax yourself, use the total tax shown on your return. Do not estimate or round — the system requires the exact figure.

Have your payment method ready. If paying by card, you need the card number, expiration date, and CVV. If paying by bank transfer, you need your routing number and account number. Bank transfers are free; card payments charge a processing fee that varies by processor but typically runs 1.87% to 2.49% of the payment amount.

Income tax payment through the FTB website

Go to onlineservices.ftb.ca.gov and select "Make a Payment" from the menu. You will be asked whether you are paying as an individual or on behalf of a business. Choose the correct category.

Enter your Social Security Number or ITIN and the tax year you are paying for. The system will pull up your account and show any balance due. Review the amount — if it does not match what you expect, stop and contact the FTB before proceeding. Errors at this step are difficult to reverse.

Select your payment method: credit card, debit card, or electronic bank transfer. If you choose a card, enter the card number, expiration date, CVV, and the cardholder's billing address. If you choose bank transfer, enter your routing number, account number, and account type (checking or savings). The system will ask you to confirm the amount one more time before processing.

After you submit, you will see a confirmation number on screen. Write it down or take a screenshot — you will need it if you have questions later. The FTB sends a confirmation email to the address on file within a few minutes. Bank transfers post within one to two business days; card payments post the same day.

Sales tax payment through the CDTFA website

Go to onlineservices.cdtfa.ca.gov and log in with your CDTFA account number and password. If you do not have an online account, you must create one first through the same website. Account setup takes a few minutes and requires your business tax account number.

Once logged in, select "Pay Sales Tax" or "Make a Payment" depending on the menu version. The system will show your current balance and any amounts due by date. You can pay the full balance or a partial amount — the system accepts both.

Choose your payment method and enter the required information. Like the FTB site, CDTFA charges a processing fee for card payments but not for bank transfers. After submission, you receive a confirmation number and an email receipt. Sales tax payments typically post within one business day.

Paying by phone

Call the FTB payment line at 1-888-792-4900. This line handles income tax payments only, not sales tax. You will need your Social Security Number or ITIN, your tax year, and the amount you owe. The system is automated and walks you through each step.

You can pay by credit card or debit card over the phone. The system does not accept bank transfers by phone. A processing fee applies to card payments. After you enter your payment information, the system confirms the amount and gives you a confirmation number before charging your card.

Phone payments process the same day. You will receive a confirmation email within a few minutes. If you do not receive an email within 30 minutes, call back to verify the payment went through.

What happens after you pay

The state applies your payment to the tax year and account you specified. If you overpaid, the FTB or CDTFA will either refund the excess or credit it to a future tax year, depending on your account settings. You can request a refund through your online account or by mail.

Payments made after the tax due date do not stop penalties and interest from accruing. If your return was due April 15 and you pay on May 1, you owe the tax plus a late payment penalty (typically 0.5% per month) and interest (currently around 8% annually). Paying online does not waive these charges — only paying on time does.

Keep your confirmation number and receipt for your records. If the state later claims it did not receive your payment, the confirmation number is your proof. The FTB and CDTFA keep payment records for seven years.

If your payment fails or you need to change it

If your card is declined, the system will tell you immediately and let you try again with a different card or payment method. Do not attempt the same card multiple times in a row — repeated declines can trigger fraud holds on your account.

If you paid the wrong amount, you cannot edit the payment through the website. You must contact the FTB or CDTFA directly. For income tax, call the FTB at 1-800-852-5711. For sales tax, call CDTFA at 1-888-792-4900. Have your confirmation number ready.

If you need to cancel a payment, act quickly. Bank transfers can sometimes be stopped within a few hours of submission, but card payments cannot be reversed once processed. Contact the FTB or CDTFA immediately if you need to cancel.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Both the FTB and CDTFA charge a processing fee for credit card payments, typically 1.87% to 2.49% of the amount paid. Bank transfers are free. If you want to avoid the fee, use a bank transfer instead, though it takes one to two business days to post.

What if I pay online but the state says they never got it?

This is rare but can happen. Your confirmation number is proof you submitted the payment. Contact the FTB or CDTFA with your confirmation number and the date you paid. They can trace the payment and apply it to your account if it was lost in processing.

Can I pay someone else's California taxes online?

Yes, if you have their account information. For income tax, you can pay on behalf of another person by entering their Social Security Number or ITIN and tax year. For sales tax, you need access to their CDTFA online account. Some people set up authorized representatives to pay on their behalf.

Do I have to pay the full amount at once?

No. Both websites accept partial payments. However, any unpaid balance continues to accrue interest and penalties. If you cannot pay in full, contact the FTB or CDTFA about a payment plan — they may allow you to spread payments over several months.

How long does it take for an online payment to show up on my account?

Card payments post the same day. Bank transfers take one to two business days. You can check your account status through the same website where you made the payment, usually within a few hours of submission.