Here’s a nice summary of tax changes from the FTB:

Sacramento – The Franchise Tax Board (FTB) today updated state taxpayers on several law changes for the upcoming filing season, and outlined a variety of services provided by the tax department.

Law Changes

Temporary increase in personal income tax rates – A new tax law raises California’s personal income tax rates by .25 percent for 2009 and 2010.

Standard deduction – The standard deduction for single or filing separately decreased from $3,692 to $3,637. For joint, surviving spouse, or head of household filers, it changed from $7,384 to $7,274.

Personal exemption credit – The personal exemption amount for single, filing separately, and head of household filers is reduced from $99 to $98. For joint or surviving spouses, it decreased from $198 to $196. The dependent exemption credit decreased from $309 to $98 per dependent.

New estimated tax payment percentages – Effective January 1, 2010, the quarterly estimated payment schedule percentages are changed for both corporate and personal income taxes to 30 percent, 40 percent, zero, and 30 percent for the first through the fourth quarter installments, respectively.

New backup withholding requirements – Effective January 1, 2010, generally payers that are required to withhold and send backup withholding to the IRS are also required to withhold and send seven percent to FTB except for:

·         Payment of interest and dividends.

·         Any release of loan funds made by a financial institution in the normal course of business.

Small business new jobs tax credit – For 2009 new hires, provides a $3,000 tax credit for each additional qualified full-time employee hired by a qualified small business employer. Qualified employers need to act fast as the credit funding is limited to $400 million. The credit must be claimed on a timely-filed original (not amended) 2009 return received before the $400 million limit is reached. This credit is not subject to the 50 percent limitation for business credits in 2009.

Generally speaking, employers qualify for the credit if they employed 20 or fewer employees on the last day of the preceding taxable year (for calendar taxpayers this would be December 31, 2008). And, they have a net increase in qualified full-time employees in 2009 compared to the number of full-time employees employed in the preceding taxable year.

Military spouses residency relief –Effective January 1, 2009, federal law provides that civilian spouses of military personnel who are in California only because of their spouses’ military orders, do not become California residents. They are also exempt from state income tax on their “service income” earnings such as wages, commissions, or other personal service income earned in California. To qualify, civilian spouses must have the same “domicile” as their military spouses. One’s “domicile” is generally the place they consider to be their true home and where they intend to return to make their permanent home.

540NR booklets –Booklets for FTB Form 540NR, California Nonresident or Part-Year Resident Income Tax Return, will no longer be mailed directly to taxpayers. The 540NR Booklet and any other related tax forms and instructions are available online at ftb.ca.gov.

Net operating losses suspended – For 2009, net operating losses from prior years cannot be deducted by taxpayers whose net business income is $500,000 or more. Instead, they will need to carry them forward. The time limit to carry forward net operating losses increases from 10 to 20 years. New with 2011 net operating losses, taxpayers can carry back those losses for two years. Taxpayers with net business income of less than $500,000 or with disaster loss carryovers are not affected by the net operating loss suspension rules.

Business tax credit limitations – For 2009, tax credits are limited to 50 percent of the net tax for taxpayers with net business income of $500,000 or more. Be sure to review our tax forms instructions for more details.

Taxpayer Assistance

Self Services

FTB encourages taxpayers and practitioners to explore its many self-service applications. In addition to the interactive voice response options available through FTB’s call center phone lines, there are also several online web-based applications that provide useful information and services during the filing season. Some of these applications are discussed below.

Voluntary Income Tax Assistance – Starting February 1, more than 1,000 centers statewide open through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs. These sites offer free help with tax form preparation.Some offer services in Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean. For information on locations throughout California, visit ftb.ca.gov and click on the free filing assistance link.

Phone service –FTB provides 24-hour toll-free automated phone service at 800.338.0505. To speak with a customer service representative, FTB staffs its general toll-free phone line,      800.852.5711, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekdays excluding state holidays.

Field Offices – FTB has six regional field offices that provide walk-in service from 8 a.m. to         4 p.m., weekdays in Los Angeles, Oakland, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, and Santa Ana. For directions, visit ftb.ca.gov and click on theContact Us tab.

Customer Service Availability – Due to limited resources, reaching a customer service representative in the call center or in an FTB field office may be more difficult this upcoming filing season. If you need to speak to a representative, the best times to call are Tuesday through Friday and either before or after lunch. FTB suggests you contact them early in the tax filing season to avoid the crowd of last-minute tax filers.

ReadyReturn –Sometaxpayers qualify for FTB’s online ReadyReturn program that completes the tax return for the taxpayer. It is based on information already collected from employers such as W-2s. More than 2 million taxpayers will qualify who last year:

·         Earned wages from a single employer.

·         Filed either as single or head of household.

·         Took the standard deduction.

·         Claimed no more than five dependents.

Taxpayers who are renters and who can be claimed as a dependent are also eligible.

CalFile – More than 6.5 million taxpayers are qualified to use CalFile, FTB’s no-cost, direct-to- FTB, online filing program. Taxpayers type in their tax return information on FTB’s website and transmit their return directly to FTB. CalFileaccepts taxpayers with income of up to $321,483, itemized deductions, and some tax credits.

My FTB Account – This online service allows taxpayers to get information such as estimated tax payments, any balances due, state W-2 information, or FTB issued 1099 forms. Use this information to avoid claiming the wrong amount of estimated tax payments, which is the top error made on returns.

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions – Find answers to questions about various tax topics such as return filing requirements, tax credits and the requirements to be able to use the Head of Household filing status online atftb.ca.gov.

Pay Taxes Online – FTB’s Web Pay allows taxpayers to authorize a payment from their bank account to pay their return balance due or extension payment. Payment must be made on or before April 15 to avoid penalties and interest. Taxpayers can also make estimated tax or any bill payments online, and sign up for email reminders of upcoming estimate payment due dates. Taxpayers can schedule estimated tax payments up to one year in advance. For a fee, taxpayers can pay their taxes with their American Express, Discover/NOVUS, MasterCard, and Visa cards. FTB also accepts payments made via Western Union.

Can’t Pay Your Taxes Timely? –ftb.ca.gov and select payment options andinstallment agreement request. Monthly installment payment plans are available to people who cannot pay what they owe when it is due. Generally taxpayers who owe less than $25,000 and can repay the tax within five years qualify for a payment plan. Sign up online at

Tax Tips

Federal Earned Income Tax Credit – This is a federal incentive for low-income individuals and families. Taxpayers earning less than $48,279 can qualify for a “refundable” credit that can total up to $5,657. “Refundable” means that you do not have to have a tax liability to get a refund check from the government. If you think you might qualify, visit the IRS website at irs.gov and search for EITC Assistant.California has no comparable state credit.

Recordkeeping – Keep a copy of your state tax returns and all supporting records. FTB may request information from you regarding your tax return at any time within the California statute of limitations period, which is generally four years from the return’s due date.

California recognizes out-of-state same-sex marriages

On October 11, 2009, the Governor signed Senate Bill 54, which provides that a marriage between two persons who have entered into a same-sex marriage outside the State of California prior to November 5, 2008, that was valid by the laws of the jurisdiction in which the marriage was contracted, is valid in California. / more+

Military Spouses Residency Relief Act

The Military Spouses Residency Relief Act (MSRRA) was signed into law by the President on November 11, 2009. For taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2009, a service member’s spouse is considered a nonresident for tax purposes if the servicemember and spouse have the same legal residence or domicile outside of California and the spouse is in California solely to be with the service member who is serving in compliance with military orders. / more+

Mandatory e-pay penalty update: Not assessed in 2010

When you are required to make electronic payments but pay by other means, we can assess a penalty equal to one percent of the amount paid, unless your failure to pay electronically was for reasonable cause and not willful neglect. / more+

Luxury Auto Pilot Program

Each year, we receive and process millions of income information records. The nonfiler program uses federal tax return information, information from other California state agencies, third-party data, and income estimates from self-employed activities to determine if a taxpayer has a filing requirement. / more+

EITC Awareness Day is January 29, 2010

The IRS in partnership with local organizations in your area will kick off of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Awareness Day event on January 29 to promote the federal tax credit. / more+

Consultants wanted: California seeks experts knowledgeable in abusive tax shelter transactions

Abusive Tax Avoidance Transactions (ATAT) cost California billions of dollars each year. In 2004, we collected a record $1.4 billion from taxpayers participating in tax shelters during our Voluntary Compliance Initiative. / more+

Get ready for the filing season with e-Services

During these difficult times, it is increasingly important to work both smart and efficiently. / more+

Head of Household guidelines

Our filing season is just around the corner. Some of your clients may inquire about claiming our head of household filing status. This filing status provides a lower tax liability and a higher standard deduction than the single filing status. / more+

California’s Enterprise Zones Wage Credit

In our June 2009 issue of Tax News we asked the question, “Are you familiar with California’s Enterprise Zones?”

We now ask, “Are you aware some taxpayers who work in an Enterprise Zone may be entitled to a credit for the wages they earned?”  / more+

Small business

Misleading letter schemes target corporations and LLCs

Your business clients may receive a misleading letter to file board minutes and/or a statement of information for a fee. Because the letters look and sound official, your clients may be quick to send payment. But wait! Read the fine print, “…products or services being offered are not approved or endorsed by any government agency.” / more+

Ask the advocate

Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights Hearing

The Annual Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights Hearing was held December 3, 2009, at FTB headquarters in the Gerald H. Goldberg Auditorium. We received four proposals in advance and representatives from two organizations made presentations. We are in the process of preparing responses to the proposals we received. / more+

Inside FTB

Take a look at the changes happening here at FTB. / more+

Criminal corner

Our monthly summary of bringing tax criminals to justice and closing the tax gap one case at a time. / more+

Here is a statement from the Governor’s office about his job creation goals in 2010:

State Of The State 2010:

The Governor’s Number One Priority Is Creating Jobs And Getting California’s Economy Back On Track

“First, you will receive a $500 million jobs package that we estimate could train up to 140,000 workers and help create 100,000 jobs.” (Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, State of the State Speech, 1/6/10)

Governor Schwarzenegger’s  proposals to foster a more business-friendly economy and create new jobs will:

1. Create 100,000 New Jobs And Train An Additional 140,000 Californians With A New Job Creation Initiative
2. Streamline Regulations To Get Shovels In The Ground Creating Jobs And Spurring Economic Activity
3. Extend The Home Buyer Tax Credit To Encourage Homeownership
4. Eliminate Sales Taxes On Green Tech Manufacturing Equipment To Increase Investment In California’s Fastest Growing Economy
5. Eliminate Frivolous Lawsuits That Punish California’s Small Businesses

The Governor will introduce a package of five bills for legislative approval, called the California Jobs Initiative, which will create or retain at least 100,000 jobs. The Employment Training Panel (ETP) will partner with Community Colleges and other workforce development organizations to deliver training focused on green jobs and other key industries prioritized by ETP. These include manufacturing, goods movement, biotechnology, information technology services, multi-media, healthcare and construction.

• The Governor’s initiative provides up to $200 million to employers to pay for training new employees or retraining an existing employee for a new job. Employers will be reimbursed for training expenditures through the ETP after the person has been gainfully employed for three months.  The average reimbursement for each employee is approximately $1400.
• An additional $300 million will be available to employers for every individual they train who was previously unemployed. Employers will receive $3,000 for each unemployed worker who completes ETP training and stays on the job for nine months.

The combined funding for training and new hire grants is equivalent to the State paying half the payroll tax for each new employee for a year. The California Jobs Initiative will result in up 100,000 new or retained jobs created and to provide training to 140,000 individuals to enable.

• It will be funded by a loan from the Unemployment Compensation Disability Fund, which currently has a surplus sufficient to fund this program after covering claims and will not include general fund allocations. Employers will be reimbursed after the ETP has confirmed nine months of continuous employment.

“Second, you will receive a measure to streamline the permitting of construction projects that already have a completed environmental report.” (Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, State of the State Speech, 1/6/10)

The Governor’s proposal would grant the Business, Housing, and Transportation Agency the right to select a specified number of projects that have completed environmental impact reviews (EIRs) and deem those projects as approved and not subject to legal challenge – expediting the ground breaking of these projects and creating jobs. Jumpstarting construction projects create jobs and boost local economies. Statewide, projects are ready to break ground but become delayed due to unnecessary litigation surrounding EIRs.

Too often, projects that have completed an EIR are delayed because of frivolous lawsuits challenging the validity of the EIR. The new NFL stadium in Los Angeles County is an example of such a project. Despite years of environmental review – and despite a design that makes the stadium the “greenest” in the country – the project was held up by needless lawsuits brought by a tiny group of individuals. Legislative intervention was necessary to get the project approved and put 18,000 Californians to work.

This proposal will not exempt projects from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and will expedite shovel-ready projects that have followed environmental law, not provide a way for projects to circumvent California’s strong environmental protection law.

“Third, to stimulate other construction jobs, you will receive a proposal for homebuyer tax credits of up to $10,000 for the purchase of new or existing homes.” (Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, State of the State Speech, 1/6/10)

To continue encouraging homeownership among Californians, the Governor will propose to extend and expand the $10,000 homebuyer tax credit to include the purchase of existing homes in addition to new residences for first-time homebuyers. The buyer must not be a dependant and must be purchasing a home that does not belong to a relative. Under the Governor’s proposal, the Franchise Tax Board will extend the credit to buyers who purchase homes until $200 million dollars in tax credits have been granted to eligible.

“And fourth, since we want California to be the dynamo of green technology, I ask you to pass our proposal exempting the purchase of green tech manufacturing equipment from the sales tax.” (Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, State of the State Speech, 1/6/10)

California leads the world in environmental technology. Our state is home to 10,209 clean tech companies and home base to the innovative minds and year-round sunshine powers the clean technology industry. To maintain our competitive edge the Governor will continue to support providing a sales tax exemption on the purchase of manufacturing equipment for advanced transportation, renewable energy and other clean technology projects.

Assembly Bill 1111, co-sponsored by the Governor and the Treasurer and authored by Assemblymember Sam Blakeslee, will codify the existing authority of the California Alternative Energy and Advanced Transportation Financing Authority (CAEATFA) to exempt zero emission vehicle manufacturers from sales tax on the purchase of new manufacturing equipment.

This targeted sales tax exemption for the purchase of clean-tech manufacturing equipment would not cost the state precious tax dollars; it would increase revenue by expanding the number of clean technology manufacturing companies that locate in California.

Reforming The Legal Climate For California’s Businesses

To foster an atmosphere where businesses can thrive, the Governor will propose a series of changes to regulations governing class action law suits, products liability suits and seek to cap punitive damage awards. Unfair and frivolous suits impact where companies locate or expand. California’s current litigation laws lead to large settlements with little value to consumers but become worth millions to lawyers at the expense of California businesses. Current statute also impedes growth by holding businesspersons liable for defective products – even if the seller had no knowledge or control over the defect – and allowing for punitive damage awards that are wildly unpredictable among similar cases.

The Governor will propose a set of statutory changes that will set forth clear guidelines for class action lawsuits improve California’s litigation climate by allowing defendants to appeal class action certifications and by requiring the plaintiff rather than the defendant to pay for notification to other potential class members.  In addition, these reforms will provide for limitations on the scope of damages assessed against business persons for defective products and eliminate unreasonable and excessive noneconomic and punitive damages awards.

Here’s a piece from the San Bernardino Sun from a few days ago:

Enterprise zone program succeeding

Patrick J. Morris
Posted: 12/21/2009 08:35:27 PM PST

It is no secret this is one of the most challenging budget years for California. It is understandable that a thorough review of the state’s expenditures is taking place.
One such expenditure under review – the California Enterprise Zone Program – is directly tied to the success of many of our small and medium-sized businesses. The changes in policy being discussed could increase the cost of doing business for many local companies and put jobs at risk.

The San Bernardino Valley Enterprise Zone is our local zone in this program. It is a 42-square-mile region that includes the cities of San Bernardino and Colton plus portions of county property, and contains 4,000 businesses. These businesses are eligible for tax credits and business incentives if they meet certain specifications. These incentives not only serve to attract businesses to locate to the zone, but also allow companies to reduce the cost of doing business. This leads to greater and more stable employment in the enterprise zone.

California’s Assembly Committee on Jobs, Economic Development and the Economy is reviewing and considering revisions to the California Enterprise Zone Program statewide, and recently completed a series of pubic hearings in the process.

These hearings, held in San Diego and San Jose, were attended by a number of businesses from enterprise zone areas that shared and identified ways the program is helping to stimulate their local economy and keep their businesses stable.

The Assembly Committee heard them and I hope their testimony will be considered.

Some of the feedback received from businesses in the San Bernardino Valley Enterprise Zone also makes a strong case in support of this zone and its impact to help our local employers continue to thrive and employ residents.

It is difficult to argue with evidence of an employer that is not just surviving, but thriving in this difficult economy.

For example, Brithinee Electric, a manufacturer of industrial electric motors, wind generators and custom motor control centers, has utilized the enterprise zone program for nine years, and as a result, has doubled its work force. The tax credits allowed Brithinee Electric to hire local residents, and the savings produced by the tax credits funded additional technical skills training for these new hires.

According to Tom Lund, director of operations for Isolatek International, a leading manufacturer of passive-fire resistive materials for commercial construction, the enterprise zone was an additional incentive to move to San Bernardino in 2007. The company has filed hiring tax credits and will file for sales and use tax credits on equipment purchased, which will increase their savings. Now in the process of hiring an additional 20 employees, the incentives are helping make the company more competitive and employ more people.

These are two examples of how effectively this program is working in our local economy, and there are many more similar stories.

Unfortunately, not all the businesses located in the zone are taking advantage of these incentives. In an economy like this, no company should be leaving money on the table.

Businesses located in the San Bernardino Valley Enterprise Zone may reduce state income tax by more than $35,000 per qualified employee over a five-year period. Another incentive helps enterprise zone businesses by allowing a tax reduction for property and equipment that is purchased and used within the boundaries of the zone. For our small and medium-sized businesses, these incentives can make a difference between profit and loss.

I urge all businesses located in the enterprise zone to take advantage of these incentives that will reduce their business costs. The process is not complicated and more information can be found at www.sbvez.com.

I also encourage legislators considering revisions to the enterprise zone program to avoid removing any incentives that may increase the cost of doing business for our local employers. This program is helping to sustain our struggling businesses and keeping our residents employed during these challenging times.

Patrick J. Morris is mayor of San Bernardino.

Click here for the original article.

Spidell’s Flash Email has reported the following news from the Franchise Tax Board for 2010:

The FTB will not assess the mandatory e-pay penalty for individuals in 2010. The FTB will continue to focus efforts on education and outreach so that taxpayers and their representatives can implement processes and procedures to comply with the mandatory e-pay requirement. The law requires taxpayers who make a payment of more than $20,000, or who have a tax liability of more than $80,000 in a year beginning on or after January 1, 2009, to make all future payments electronically. The FTB will continue to monitor compliance levels to determine the appropriate time to begin imposing the penalty provision of the statute.

Legislative wrap-up 2009

Here is our annual summary of tax-related legislation enacted this session. / more+

Free backup withholding webinar

California conforms to federal backup withholding beginning January 1, 2010. / more+

Corporation tax law changes in California

Recently enacted California legislation adopted new statutes and amended existing statutes that result in major changes to how corporations are taxed in California. / more+

Find forms faster and easier with our form locator

On December 15, 2009, we will have a new search tool on our forms webpage; it is called the Form Locator. / more+

Provisional payment plan pilot program begins December 2009

Our collection response and resolution section will begin to offer a provisional payment plan for personal income taxpayers. Taxpayers who qualify for this pilot program will be allowed to make payments towards their tax liability without involuntary collection action taking place, while they prepare and submit their missing valid tax returns to us. / more+

Top 10 personal income tax errors that delay return processing – 2009

Check to see where we found the most common errors on personal income tax returns. / more+

Top 10 business entity errors that delay return processing – 2009

Check to see where we found the most common errors on business entity returns. / more+

Small business

Will your client qualify for the new jobs credit?

Newly enacted state law, ABX3 15 (Assembly Budget Committee, Stats. 2009 Third Extraordinary Session, Ch. 10) allows a potential income tax credit of $3,000 to a qualified taxpayer for each additional full-time employee hired. / more+

Ask the advocate

Communication guidelines

Quite often we receive questions from taxpayers and practitioners on issues relating to the interpretation of provisions of the R&TC as well as policies and procedures of our department. / more+

Inside FTB

Take a look at the changes happening here at FTB. / more+

Criminal corner

Our monthly summary on bringing tax criminals to justice, and closing the tax gap one case at a time.  / more+

Big business

Gross receipts fees discussed at CalCPA

On October 28, we attended the CalCPA Committee on Taxation, our annual liaison meeting. We shared legislative updates affecting us, changes to our auditing and collections, and new communication products available to our taxpayers and tax professionals. / more+

Below is the full letter from Mayor Newsom, discussing his new JOBS NOW! program.

October 27, 2009

Dear San Francisco Business,

I’m writing to tell you about JOBS NOW! – a powerful economic incentive program for all San Francisco businesses, regardless of industry, size or location. Funded through federal stimulus money secured by the City, JOBS NOW! offers your company a 100% wage subsidy for newly hired qualified employees through September 30, 2010.

Employers are required only to pay for payroll taxes, any fringe benefits that employees typically receive, and supervision of participants. To qualify for the JOBS NOW! wage subsidy, employees must be San Francisco residents with a minor child and have a family income of less than 200% of the federal poverty level in the last 30 days. Someone who was fully employed but recently lost their job more than a month ago is eligible.

The City has already identified hundreds of eligible job candidates who qualify for this program and could bring to your company a 100% wage subsidy for each candidate hired. Your firm can also recruit individuals you would like to hire and send them to the City to see if they are eligible for the wage subsidy. JOBS NOW! has no cap on the number of employees a business can receive a subsidy for and many of these hires may also qualify your firm for valuable state and local Enterprise Zone tax credits.

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for San Francisco businesses to hire new employees and the City will reimburse you for 100% of their wages paid until September 2010. Many San Francisco businesses are already taking advantage of this program and I encourage you to do the same. Additional information on JOBS NOW! is attached.

If you want to want to learn more or take the next step, call the Office of Economic and Workforce Development at 415-554-6969 and ask about the JOBS NOW! program.

Sincerely,
Gavin Newsom
Mayor
City and County of San Francisco

-

JOBS NOW! Subsidized Employment Program
Offering San Francisco Employers a Once in a Lifetime Business Incentive

Overview

All San Francisco businesses, regardless of industry, size or location, are eligible for the JOBS NOW! program – a 100% subsidy of qualified employees’ wages through September 30, 2010. JOBS NOW! is a subsidized employment program funded by stimulus dollars and administered by the San Francisco Human Services Agency (HSA). HSA will reimburse the cost of 100% of the wages paid to a newly hired JOBS NOW! qualified employee through September 30, 2010. Employers are required only to pay for payroll taxes, any fringe benefits that employees typically receive, and supervision of participants. Employers can hire qualified employees they’ve found themselves or leverage a pool of hundreds of JOBS NOW! pre-qualified eligible candidates from HSA.

Eligibility

• All San Francisco employers, regardless of industry, size or location, are eligible so long as they hire JOBS NOW! eligible employees.
• To qualify for the JOBS NOW! wage subsidy employees must be San Francisco residents with a minor child and a family income of less than 200% of the federal poverty level in the last 30 days. The level varies by household size but is about $3,000 per month for a family of three.
• Someone who was fully employed but recently lost their job more than a month ago is eligible.
• Someone who is currently employed but working less than 25 hours/week and under 200% federal poverty level is eligible.

Requirements

• JOBS NOW! employees must be paid at least the local minimum wage and compensated at the same rate as other employees performing similar job functions.
• Employers must comply with labor laws, contribute regular payroll taxes and comply with the City’s existing Health Care Security Ordinance.
• Employers must be current on business and payroll taxes.
• Employers are required to document and cover the cost of payroll taxes, fringe benefits, and supervision of JOBS NOW! employees.

Employer Reimbursement Process

• Employer submits monthly documentation to HSA of all costs incurred related to the employment of a JOBS NOW! participant
• HSA reimburses 100% of the wage costs
• Reimbursement typically takes 2-3 weeks initially and 7-10 days thereafter
• Remaining non-wage costs (payroll taxes, benefits, supervision) are the employer’s responsibility and cannot be paid for with federal funds or funds used to match federal funds

Next Step

If you want to want to learn more call the Office of Economic and Workforce Development at 415-554-6969 and ask about the JOBS NOW! program.

Click here to download the full article (PDF download).

Santa Clarita wins top honors for cities with populations greater than 50,000, while Vernon wins for cities with less than 50,000 residents.

The Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) today announced the cities of Santa Clarita and Vernon as the winners of its annual “Most Business-Friendly City in Los Angeles County” competition at its 13th Annual Eddy Awards on November 17, 2008. The Eddy Awards are attended by more than 700 leaders from the business, government, and education communities.

The City of Santa Clarita emerged as the most business-friendly city in LA County for the cities with more than 50,000 residents. Santa Clarita does not assess a utility user tax, allowing businesses to save up to five percent or more on their electric, telephone, water, and gas bills, and it has recently been designated as a State of California Enterprise Zone. Santa Clarita offers its businesses and residents a highly educated workforce, available land for development, site selection assistance, and expedited plan reviews and permit processing.

Click here for the full article and award details from CitySpur: Santa Clarita and Vernon Named Los Angeles County’s Most Business-friendly Cities

Advisory Board Recognizes Dedication

At the FTB Advisory Board October meeting, we presented David Doerr, Chief Tax Consultant for the California Taxpayer’s Association, with a certificate of appreciation recognizing his 50 years of service to California taxpayers. / more+

540X Easy Reply Amended Return Pilot Program

We will soon begin a pilot program giving certain taxpayers the option of quickly concluding an audit when first contacted by us, if the taxpayer agrees with the proposed adjustments to their return. / more+

Useful Information Found on MyFTB Account – Tell your clients

MyFTB Account is a resource that’s available for your clients to access useful tax information 24/7. / more+

Documents, Second Mortgages, Tax Reporting – How to Handle a Foreclosed Home for Tax Purposes

In our July 2009, Foreclosure and Short Sales, and October 2009, Business Foreclosures or Short Sales, issues of Tax News, we addressed some of the questions we received related to a foreclosure. / more+

FTB/CSEA Liaison Meeting a Success

On September 25, we attended the California Society of Enrolled Agents (CSEA) annual Liaison meeting. / more+

540NR Booklet Mass Mailing Discontinued

We decided to discontinue the mass mailing of our Nonresident or Part-Year Resident Income Tax Booklet California 540NR directly to taxpayers. / more+

Small Business

Announcing the California Child Support Guide for Business

DCSS announces the California Child Support – A Guide for Business — a complete step-by-step web-based guide designed to help employers meet child support requirements in California. / more+

Ask the Advocate

Taxpayers’ Rights Advocate Role

As the Taxpayers’ Rights Advocate, I continue to be pro-active, visible, and accessible to taxpayers. / more+

Inside FTB

Take a look at the changes happening here at FTB. / more+

Criminal Corner

Our monthly summary on bringing tax criminals to justice, and closing the tax gap one case at a time.  / more+