October 17 tax filing deadline approaching

For Immediate Release

Sacramento – The Franchise Tax Board (FTB) today reminded taxpayers that Monday, October 17, 2022, is the deadline for filing 2021 state personal income tax returns to avoid a late filing penalty.

Each year, Californians file close to 20 million state personal income tax returns, with more than 2 million taxpayers taking advantage of the state’s automatic six-month filing extension.

As of October 3, 2022, nearly 18.3 million personal income tax returns had been filed with the state, 94% of them filed electronically. So far this year, California has issued about 13.4 million refunds to individuals, totaling more than $17.5 billion.

Taxpayers can file electronically free of charge using FTB’s CalFile program. CalFile and a list of other free or fee-based e-file services are available at FTB's website.

E-filing provides faster refunds, increased accuracy, and immediate confirmation that FTB has received a return. To ensure a timely refund, FTB encourages taxpayers to opt for direct deposit to their bank accounts.

Taxpayers are also encouraged to make use of FTB’s electronic payment options. Web Pay allows taxpayers to authorize a payment from a bank account to cover tax return balances. Individual taxpayers can also go to their MyFTB account to securely access their tax information and to view and schedule payments.

Working taxpayers who are 18 or older and considered low income, can take advantage of the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC). Those eligible can receive up to $3,160 cash back. Additionally, those who qualify for CalEITC and have at least one child under the age of 6 may be eligible for up to a $1,000 Young Child Tax Credit.

FTB administers two of California’s major tax programs: Personal Income Tax and the Corporation Tax. FTB also administers other non tax programs and delinquent debt collection functions, including delinquent vehicle registration debt collections on behalf of the Department of Motor Vehicles, and court–ordered debt. Annually, FTB’s tax programs collect more than 70 percent of the state’s general fund. For more information on other taxes and fees in California, visit: taxes.ca.gov.