October 15 State Tax Extension Deadline Draws Near

SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(Business Wire)--
The Franchise Tax Board (FTB) today reminded taxpayers that
Wednesday, October 15 is the deadline to file their 2007 state income
tax returns on time to avoid late filing penalties.

"Unlike the Federal Government, the State of California
automatically gives you an extension until October 15 to file your
taxes," said State Controller and FTB Chair John Chiang. "Each year
nearly a million taxpayers use this extra time to file their
California tax return."

FTB encourages taxpayers to use e-file and other e-services
available on its website at www.ftb.ca.gov. Taxpayers can also access
My FTB Account, an online service where taxpayers can view their wage
and withholding information, estimated payments, FTB-issued 1099 data,
and current balance information. E-filing provides faster refunds,
increased accuracy, and timely confirmation that FTB received your
return.

Services such as ReadyReturn and CalFile are available through
October 15 and provide many taxpayers with free online e-file options.
Taxpayers can also e-file using their tax preparer or other free or
fee-based services offered on FTB's website. For quick refunds, FTB
encourages taxpayers to opt for direct deposit.

FTB offers taxpayers electronic payment options as well. FTB's Web
Pay 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 www.officialpayments.com. The vendor charges a convenience
fee.

As of October 9, California taxpayers filed nearly 15.4 million
personal income tax returns of which 10.3 million were e-filed. The
state has issued 9.8 million refunds totaling $7.5 million.

Franchise Tax Board
Public Affairs Office, 916-845-4800
Denise Azimi, (cell) 916-502-2587
Denise.Azimi@ftb.ca.gov

Copyright Business Wire 2008