For Immediate Release

April 3, 2026

What Californians need to know before the April 15 tax deadline

Sacramento – The Franchise Tax Board (FTB) reminds Californians that April 15 is the deadline for most taxpayers to file and pay their 2025 taxes. FTB offers free filing options, cashback tax credits, tips on how to avoid scams, and making secure online payments.

"Tax Day is approaching, and Californians should know they can file for free and claim valuable cashback tax credits,” said State Controller and FTB Chair Malia M. Cohen. “Millions qualify for the California Earned Income Tax Credit, and many families can also get the Young Child Tax Credit. These credits can put a significant amount of money back in people’s pockets."

Free Filing Options

• CalFile: File your state tax return electronically at no cost. E-filing is faster, more accurate, and provides immediate confirmation. FTB recommends choosing direct deposit for a safe and timely refund.
• In-person help (VITA): Free tax preparation is available for low to moderate income taxpayers through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. Visit FTB’s Get free tax help page to find a nearby VITA location.

Cash Back Credits

The California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) is here to support hardworking Californians with low incomes. If you qualify, you could receive up to $3,756 in cash back or reduce your tax burden. Additionally, CalEITC may open the door to other benefits, such as the Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC) and the Foster Youth Tax Credit (FYTC). To find out if you qualify for CalEITC or related tax credits, visit the eligibility and credit information page.

Protect yourself from scams

Scammers may pose as IRS or FTB employees to deceive taxpayers into sending money or sharing personal information. Common scams include texts, emails, calls, fake websites, and fraudulent mail.

To protect yourself:

• Do not reply to or click links in suspicious messages.
• If you are unsure, contact FTB directly to verify the request.

For suspicious letters, call FTB at 800-852-5711. For more information, visit the notices and letters and text messaging.

Online Resources

Taxpayers are encouraged to use 24/7 online self-service options to avoid potential delays when contacting FTB. Self-service options include checking your refund status, making secure online payments, determining filing requirements, selecting the correct form and viewing processing and wait times.

Tax relief for disasters

Taxpayers may deduct certain losses incurred due to a President or Governor declared disaster in California. Free copies of tax returns are available to disaster victims whose returns were lost or damaged. To receive these free copies, use Form FTB 3516 and write the name of the disaster in blue or black ink at the top of the request. Visit FTB's Emergency tax relief page for more information.

Help with tax payments and penalties

Taxpayers who can't pay their full tax bill should still file on time to reduce penalties and interest. Payment plans are generally available for those who owe $25,000 or less and can repay within five years.

Individual taxpayers may also be eligible for a one-time cancellation of a penalty for filing or paying late. To qualify, taxpayers must be current on all required tax filings, have no unpaid tax balances (other than the penalty they want removed), and not have used this relief before. Visit FTB's onetime penalty abatement page or call 800-689-4776 for more information.