Franchise Tax Board

User Instructions

Downloading forms | Completing fill-in forms | Saving your entries | If you are having problems | Additional ways to get forms

Downloading forms

You can download, view, and print California tax forms from this website.

  • You need the Adobe Reader 7.0 or higher to view and print the tax forms.
  • View a form by double-clicking it or use the following steps to download the form:
  1. Right-click on the form link or "View form" icon.
  2. Select "Save Target As" or "Save Link As".
  3. Save the form on your computer. Make a note of where you save the form.
  4. Open Adobe Reader.
  5. Select File, select Open, locate the form, and double-click on the form name.

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Completing fill-in forms

  • We provide fill-in tax forms from 1998 through the current year. Identify fill-in forms by the (fill-in) text next to the title. These forms allow you to enter your personal information directly onto the form. Fill-in forms do not compute tax, validate math, or verify the information you enter. Enter and verify all required information (instructions may require some information to be handwritten on the form).
  • You can save your entries on some fill-in forms on your computer. You need Adobe Reader version 7.0 or higher to save form entries on your computer. Download a free copy of the Adobe Reader at http://www.adobe.com/acrobat/readstep.html.

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Saving your entries

  • The following forms allow you to save your entries. Look for "fill-in & save" next to the form name on the Forms page or select the form below:
  • Adobe Reader initiates a pop-up message when you open a fill-in form. If you are using Adobe Reader 7.0 or higher, the message will indicate that the form has document rights and you can save the completed fill-in form. If you are using an older version of Adobe Reader the dialog box will indicate that some features will not operate and you will be prompted to download a current version of Adobe Reader.
  • Caution: When using a public computer (library, Computer Cafe, etc.), saving your entries may make your personal information available to others. To avoid this, never save your personal information on a form accessed from a public computer.
  • To use fill-in forms:
  1. Open the form.
  2. Select the hand tool from the Acrobat toolbar menu. Adobe Acrobat Reader Hand Button
  3. Move the hand pointer inside a form field. Click when it changes to an "I" or cursor.
    • The "I" pointer allows you to type text.
    • The hand pointer allows you to select a field or check a box.
  4. Press Tab to accept the information you have typed and go to the next field.
  5. Press Shift + Tab to accept the information you have typed and go to the previous field.
  6. You may also use your mouse to move from field to field.

When you have completed the form, remember to save your information, then print as usual.

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If you are having problems

If you are having problems downloading forms, completing fill-in forms, or printing fill-in forms, please see the FAQ's About Downloading Forms From FTB's Website. If you cannot find the answer to your question, please email webmaster.

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Additional ways to get forms

In addition to getting forms from FTB's website, you can get them:

  • By Phone – Call 800.338.0505 to order California tax forms, and Homeowner and Renter Assistance Claim forms.
  • By Mail – Write to: TAX FORMS REQUEST UNIT, FRANCHISE TAX BOARD, PO BOX 307, RANCHO CORDOVA, CA 95741-0307.
  • By email - You can have 1998 through current year forms and publications automatically emailed to you by following these steps:
  1. Click the Forms tab on our website at www.ftb.ca.gov.
  2. Find the form you want and click the "Get by Email" icon to the right of the form.
  3. Enter your email address (e.g., webmaster@ftb.ca.gov) in the field. Verify that the information is correct.
  4. Click the Submit button.

    The form(s) you receive will be in Adobe's Portable Document Format (PDF). You will need the Adobe Reader 7.0 or higher to view and print the tax form(s). You can download a free copy of the latest Adobe Reader at http://www.adobe.com/acrobat/readstep.html.

    Note: Some email service providers may have limitations, or may automatically block attachments on emails sent to you. If you do not receive the requested form, you may need to review your service provider's policy or your personal settings.

  • In Person – Many post offices and libraries provide free California tax booklets during the filing season. Most libraries have forms and schedules for you to photocopy (a nominal fee may apply).

Note: Employees at these public distribution locations cannot provide tax information or assistance.