e-filing your state income tax return is the fastest way to receive your tax refund. When you e-file and select direct deposit, you can enjoy the convenience of having your refund in your bank account in one week or less. If you don't choose direct deposit, your refund is generally mailed in one week.
Both residents and nonresidents can e-file their current year returns using a tax preparer or their own software. e-file returns come electronically into our system, which virtually eliminates the possibility of your return getting lost, delayed, or accessed by anyone else. And, with e-file, you get confirmation what we accepted your return for processing.
You can find a list of Authorized e-file Providers and approved e-file software for California on our Website. We also provide our own, free e-file option, Calfile. Visit our Website at www.ftb.ca.gov for more information.