Ask the Advocate January 2022 Tax News

Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights

Happy New Year!

As I reflect on the events of 2021, I see it was a year of renewal.

A year in which Franchise Tax Board (FTB) continued to build upon our successes for how we do business, while safeguarding the health and wellbeing of our steadfast employees.

A year in which FTB successfully provided Golden State Stimulus payments to hundreds of thousands of Californians.

And, in a year which the Taxpayers’ Rights Advocate Office said good bye to many outstanding public servants, we also welcomed many new public servants eager to help taxpayers who have been unable to resolve their tax problems through normal channels, protected their rights, and ensured that FTB handle their tax problems promptly and equitably.

During 2021, our strong commitment to help taxpayers was evident as our team coordinated and provided assistance to more than 2,700 taxpayers and tax professionals. We also continued our virtual education and outreach efforts by offering 33 presentations for our tax professional partners and small business communities.

We continued to protect taxpayer’s rights by holding the required annual Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights hearing. This year’s hearing was held on December 2 during the Franchise Tax Board Meeting. Some of the issues brought forward this year involved the implementation of Assembly Bill 150 — “the SALT workaround,” filing enforcement assessments which rely on occupational license information, and “doing business.”

As shared at the meeting, we will provide written replies by February 1, 2022. Responses will be added to the Taxpayers’ Rights Advocate page under Taxpayers' Bill of Rights Hearing Responses along with prior years’ responses that are currently available.

I would like to thank you for your support and input throughout 2021. Rest assured, we are here to help, and look forward to a new year, and the opportunity to provide our assistance when needed.