Using ReadyReturn Online
- What do I need to use ReadyReturn online?
- Can I use ReadyReturn on my computer?
- What is a Customer Service Number (CSN)?
- I had additional income last year. How do I add this information?
- What other types of changes can I make with ReadyReturn online?
- I need to make a lot of changes. Can I save my return and finish it later?
- How do I sign my return?
- What do I do if I make a mistake?
- I tried to submit my return but I got an error message. Did you get my return?
- When is my return considered filed?
- Can I get help using ReadyReturn online?
- What do I need to use ReadyReturn online?
To check to see if you qualify, all you need is your name and social security number. If you qualify, you will need your Customer Service Number (CSN) to view your ReadyReturn. We also recommend you have the following information:
- All income and tax statements you received for 2007, such as Forms W-2, W-2G, 1099-G, 1099-INT, and 1099-R.
- Use tax information, if reporting California use tax.
- Your bank account information to get your refund by direct deposit or to pay the amount you owe electronically.
- Can I use ReadyReturn on my computer?
Generally you can. You will need:
- Adobe Acrobat Reader (version 6.0 or higher) to view and print your return. You must view and print your return before you e-file it. You can download the latest version of Adobe Reader for free from Adobe.
- A compatible browser and operating system.
- What is a Customer Service Number (CSN)?
Your CSN is like a password you use for shopping, banking, or doing other business online. We assign each taxpayer a new CSN every year. Only with your name, social security number, and CSN can you view your ReadyReturn online. You can get your CSN online using information from your 2006 California tax return or you can call our Taxpayer Services Center:
- From within the United States: (800) 338-0505
- From outside the United States (not toll-free): (916) 845-6500
Assistance for persons with disabilities: We comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Persons with hearing or speech impairments please call TTY/TDD (800) 822-6268.
- I had additional income last year. How do I add this information?
After you log into ReadyReturn, click the "Make Changes" button. We will guide you through updating your return.
- What other types of changes can I make with ReadyReturn online?
In ReadyReturn, you can:
- Change your name
- Update your address
- Add direct deposit or schedule an electronic tax payment
- Change your filing status
- Change your exemption credits
- Add dependents
- Report additional income (types of income)
- Claim any taxes withheld from Forms W-2G or 1099-R
- Report additional tax payments you made
- Itemize your deductions
- Adjust your income due to differences in California and federal law
- Claim the Nonrefundable Renter's Credit or the Child and Dependent Care Expenses Credit
- Report use tax
- Donate to a voluntary contribution fund
- I need to make a lot of changes. Can I save my return and finish it later?
No, when you exit ReadyReturn, all changes you made will be erased. You can come back later, but you will need to start over.
- How do I sign my return?
You will need to print and sign form FTB 8453-OL (California Online e-file Return Authorization for Individuals). Keep this form with your copy of your return. Do not mail it to FTB.
- What do I do if I make a mistake?
If you make a mistake on a Web page before you click continue, delete the wrong information and enter the correct information. Use the update function if provided.
If you find a mistake after you click continue, you will need to use the "Back" button at the bottom of each page to get to the Web page you need to change. You will then need to use the "Continue" button at the bottom of each page to get back to the Web page you were on and to complete your return.
If you find an error after you e-file your return, you will need to complete an Amended Individual Income Tax Return (Form 540X).
- I tried to submit my return but I got an error message. Did you get my return?
Generally, no. If you did not receive a page with a Declaration Control Number (DCN), we did not receive your return.
Try to log in to ReadyReturn again. If you receive a message that now says you are not eligible for ReadyReturn, please contact our Taxpayer Services Center:
- From within the United States: (800) 338-0505
- From outside the United States (not toll-free): (916) 845-6500
Assistance for persons with disabilities: We comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Persons with hearing or speech impairments please call TTY/TDD (800) 822-6268.
- When is my return considered filed?
We consider your return filed as soon as we send you a confirmation page with your Declaration Control Number (DCN). Generally this takes less than two minutes after you submit your return. Be sure to print the confirmation page for your records or write your DCN on your California Online e-file Return Authorization for Individuals (form FTB 8453-OL).
- Can I get help using ReadyReturn online?
If you have questions about what to enter in ReadyReturn, click on the question mark icon
if available. This will display instructions and additional information.If you need more information than what is contained in the instructions, you can:
- Refer to the 2007 Personal Income Tax Booklet.
- Contact our Taxpayer Services Center:
- From within the United States: (800) 852-5711
- From outside the United States (not toll-free): (916) 845-6500
Assistance for persons with disabilities: We comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Persons with hearing or speech impairments please call TTY/TDD (800) 822-6268.
If you need technical assistance with ReadyReturn, please contact us.