Extended Due Date Deadline Is October 15 for Filing State Tax Returns

SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(Business Wire)--
The Franchise Tax Board (FTB) today reminded taxpayers that Thursday, October 15
is the deadline to timely file their 2008 state income tax return to avoid late
filing penalties.

State law contains an automatic extension for personal income tax returns. More
than 1.5 million Californians take advantage of that extension annually.

ReadyReturn and CalFile will be available through October 15 on FTB`s website
ftb.ca.gov. With ReadyReturn, the tax-filing burden is reduced by using wage and
tax withholding data already provided to the state by employers to complete
qualifying taxpayers` returns. CalFile is a free, direct-to-government, e-file
program that accepts income of up to $326,379, itemized deductions, and some tax
credits.

Taxpayers can also use a tax preparer, or one of the other free or fee-based
e-file services listed on FTB`s website. E-filing provides faster refunds,
increased accuracy, and a timely confirmation that FTB received the return. For
quick refunds, FTB encourages taxpayers to opt for direct deposit into their
bank account.

Taxpayers can also access MyFTB Account, an online service where taxpayers can
view their wage and withholding information, estimated payments, FTB issued 1099
data, and current balance information.

FTB offers taxpayers electronic payment options as well. FTB`s WebPay is a
secure online service that provides the convenience of online bill payment.
Taxpayers can pay the current amount owed; plus, schedule future payments, such
as estimated tax payments, for up to one year in advance. Taxpayers can also pay
using their Discover/NOVUS, MasterCard, American Express, or Visa credit cards.
To pay by credit card, taxpayers can call (800) 2PAY TAX [(800) 272-9829] or
visit officialpayments.com. The vendor charges a convenience fee.

Installment payment plans are available on FTB`s website for taxpayers who face
financial trouble. Those who owe less than $25,000 and can repay the tax within
five years generally qualify.

Recent tax law changes make now a good time for taxpayers to review their
withholding amounts to make sure the correct amount of taxes are being withheld
from their wages. The 2009 California Tax Rates and Exemptions tables are now
available at ftb.ca.gov. California`s personal income tax rates were increased
by .25 percent and the dependent exemption credit changed from $309 to $98, the
same as the personal exemption credit.

As of October 6, 2009, California taxpayers filed more than 14.7 million
personal income tax returns of which 10.5 million were e-filed. The state has
issued 9.8 million refunds totaling $8.4 billion.

California Franchise Tax Board
Public Affairs Office
Brenda Voet, 916-845-4800
Cell: 916-416-6931
Brenda.Voet@ftb.ca.gov

Copyright Business Wire 2009