Contacting the CA FTB - WTF??

[dave 911]

I've been trying to call the CA Franchise Tax Board to discuss a letter that they sent me saying that I owe more in taxes than my accountant believes I do (rental property).

For the last 3 days I've gotten a recorded message that says "We are currently experiencing a high call volume and cannot assist you. Please call back later" WTF?????? How do you get through to talk to a person? They're 'due date' is 6/21, the letter arrived 6/10....

Anyone have any similar experience or recommendations?

[GH85Carrera]

Try calling the Defense Finance and Accounting Services (DFAS) or MIL pay. The line is always answered but all representatives are busy and after a few minutes it just hangs up on you with no option to even leave a message.

It makes the Post Office look like a well run business.

[rsNINESOOPER]

CA. Franchise Tax Board- wish I had some advice other than submit early on and document, document, document the dealings you have with them as if you are prepping for a court case. They make up rules as they go.

They got me for an unwarranted $7,500 in estimated taxes for the quarter a few years back and I tried in vain to reach them by phone cause mail was not helping- turned into a pissing contest. They won by freezing my business account and robbing me..... . I spoke with my Lawyer and he said "fuggedaboutit" "stand in line" not enough money to go after, it will cost you at least 4 grand to get it back and then you will be like an ant under a magnifying lens in the sun.

I took his advice and ate the $7,500

criminal morons they are

It was depressing how much money they take as well as the "others".....
I think I would prefer the Mob.

F California and its greedy grasp on small business.

[rsNINESOOPER]

In a nut shell,

You WILL have to pay now and then fight to get it back, that's their game. Its the equivalent to guilty now trial later.......

[Zeke]

Originally Posted by dave 911

I've been trying to call the CA Franchise Tax Board to discuss a letter that they sent me saying that I owe more in taxes than my accountant believes I do (rental property).

For the last 3 days I've gotten a recorded message that says "We are currently experiencing a high call volume and cannot assist you. Please call back later" WTF?????? How do you get through to talk to a person? They're 'due date' is 6/21, the letter arrived 6/10....

Anyone have any similar experience or recommendations?

Should have had the accountant sign the return.

[John Rogers]

You will never be able to talk to a real person at the CA tax board! The only person I have ever heard of being able to do that is Michael Turko how is this news guy that loves beating up the state offices and he almost always wins. He is on KUSI San Diego and you might try contacting him but since you are out of state I am not sure if he can do anything.

I would fight the reassessment and do it by registered letters only, receipt required and ask for a detailed explanation as to their calculations and so on. Also ask for a single point of contact AND a direct telephone number if possible. Good luck but I think you are doomed.

[Zeke]

We do have enrolled agents here in CA for the FTB.

[RWebb]

fax or cert. letter- never do anything by phone if $$ are involved

[Zeke]

I've straightened out matters with various CA depts by phone. They just don't have many working anymore and some depts don't take calls except for certain limited times of the day. A fax or letter may get the same results. All you'll have is proof you sent it. Doesn't mean they will act. The due date may pass and penalties assessed. I wouldn't expect any more.

[dave 911]

I actually made some progress via the 'live chat' option - the rep gave me another phone number that let me leave my number so the could call me back, and they did and it seems like it's resolved. My accountant (in Ohio) put my estimated tax withholding in the 'CA estimated tax and other payments' line and it should be in the 'Real estate or other withholding' line. An understandable mistake in my mind, working with an out-of-state return. The agent at the FTB fixed it and said I should get a corrected letter and my refund soon.

I guess I shouldn't celebrate until I get my money but I was actually impressed with the customer service I received on Friday.

[Danimal16]

Originally Posted by dave 911

I actually made some progress via the 'live chat' option - the rep gave me another phone number that let me leave my number so the could call me back, and they did and it seems like it's resolved. My accountant (in Ohio) put my estimated tax withholding in the 'CA estimated tax and other payments' line and it should be in the 'Real estate or other withholding' line. An understandable mistake in my mind, working with an out-of-state return. The agent at the FTB fixed it and said I should get a corrected letter and my refund soon.

I guess I shouldn't celebrate until I get my money but I was actually impressed with the customer service I received on Friday.

It can be frustrating. An old employer made some serious mistakes when I was in Iraq. The FTB representative was VERY helpful. He was really a "CIVIL" servant. People like him always make me pause before I launch into a rant. They are the types that give you hope.

Best of luck on your adventure.