Congressman Brad Sherman

Representing the 32nd District of California

Useful Tax Information

  

Does the Government Owe You Money?

Every year thousands of Californians do not receive their tax refund from the IRS or the California Franchise Tax Board due to a change of address or a change of name. In some cases, you may not know you are missing a return because you did not expect to receive one, but due to an accounting error discovered in your favor, you are owed one.  

IRS “Where’s My Refund?” Tool

Click here to access the IRS Where's My Refund? tool or call the IRS refund hotline:

1 (800) 829-1954

California Franchise Tax Board “Check My Refund” Tool

Click here to access the California Franchise Tax Board's "Check My Refund Tool" to find out the status of your State Tax Refund. You can also call:

1 (800) 852-5711

Forgot to File in a Previous Year?

If you never filed a federal or state tax return for a previous year, you may still be owed a refund. 

Federal Tax Return

If you are not sure whether you filed a tax return for a previous year, you can request a transcript from the IRS here.

For people who have not filed a federal tax return, the law allows a three-year window for claiming a return before that money becomes the property of the US Treasury.

You could be owed a refund. Call 1 (800) 829-3676 to get an estimate. Then file your tax return.

State Tax Return

If you are not sure whether you filed a tax return for a previous year, you can check your filing history using the MyFTB tool or call 1 (800) 852-5711.

For Californians who have not filed a state tax return, the law allows a four-year window for claiming a return before that money become the property of the State Treasury.

 

 

Installment Plans

If you're financially unable to pay your tax debt immediately, you can make monthly payments through an installment agreement.

IRS Installment Plans

You can apply for an online installment plan with the IRS here. If you are ineligible for an online agreement, you may still pay in installments by filling out Form 9465 and Form 433F. If you have any questions, call 1 (800) 829-1040.

California FTB Installment Plans

If you are unable to pay your full state tax liability to the California Franchise Tax Board, you can apply for a monthly installment agreement online, via phone, or by mail.

To find more information on eligibility requirements, and how to apply click here.


Claiming a Refund for a Deceased Relative

If a relative has recently passed away and was eliligible for a refund you may be able to claim the refund on their behalf.

Federal Form

To claim a federal income tax refund, for a deceased releative, use Form 1310, available here.

For more information on claiming refunds for a deceased relative's federal income tax returns, please click here.

California FTB Instructions

To claim an California income tax refund for a deceased releative, use the Federal Form 1310 from above.

For more information on claiming refunds for a deceased relative's California income tax returns, please click here.

 

Issues: