When Are Taxes Due in California? Key Deadlines

Understanding specific tax due dates is crucial for financial management. For individuals and businesses in California, adhering to established tax deadlines ensures compliance with state regulations. This includes various tax types, from personal income to property and business-related filings. Awareness of these dates helps taxpayers avoid penalties and ensures a smoother financial process.

California Personal Income Tax Deadlines

The standard annual filing deadline for California individual income tax returns, such as Form 540, is typically April 15. Individuals anticipating owing at least $500 in state income tax after credits and withholding must make estimated tax payments throughout the year. These estimated tax payments are due in four quarterly installments.

The first quarter payment is due on April 15, the second quarter on June 15, the third quarter on September 15, and the fourth quarter payment on January 15 of the following year. These payments are relevant for self-employed individuals, freelancers, independent contractors, business owners reporting income on personal returns, and investors receiving income not subject to withholding.

California Property Tax Deadlines

Property taxes in California are paid in two installments. The first installment is due on November 1 and becomes delinquent if not paid by December 10. A 10% penalty applies to payments received after this deadline.

The second installment is due on February 1 of the following year. This payment becomes delinquent if not received by April 10. If the second installment is not paid by the April 10 deadline, an additional 10% penalty plus a $10 cost is assessed.

California Business Tax Deadlines

Various business entities in California have specific tax deadlines managed by the Franchise Tax Board (FTB). For calendar-year S Corporations, partnerships, and Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) taxed as partnerships, the annual return is due by March 15. C Corporations file their returns and pay their total tax owed by April 15 for calendar-year filers. Most corporations and limited partnerships also face an annual minimum franchise tax of $800, regardless of income.

LLCs are subject to an annual $800 tax, due by the 15th day of the fourth month after the beginning of their tax year. Additionally, LLCs with total California income exceeding $250,000 must pay an annual fee based on their income, with an estimated fee payment due by the 15th day of the sixth month of the current tax year. Businesses that collect sales and use tax must file these returns with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA), with filing frequency determined by sales volume.

Extensions and Consequences of Late Filing

California taxpayers can often obtain an automatic extension to file their tax returns, but it is important to understand that an extension to file is not an extension to pay. For individuals, an automatic six-month extension is typically granted, moving the filing deadline to October 15. Businesses also receive automatic extensions; for example, C Corporations may get a seven-month extension to file, while S Corporations, partnerships, and LLCs treated as partnerships generally receive a six or seven-month extension. Any tax owed must still be paid by the original due date to avoid penalties and interest.

Consequences for missing tax deadlines can include penalties and interest assessed by the California Franchise Tax Board (FTB). A late filing penalty can be 5% of the unpaid taxes for each month or part of a month the return is late, up to a maximum of 25%. There is also a late payment penalty of 5% of the unpaid tax, plus an additional 0.5% for each month the tax remains unpaid, also up to a maximum of 25%. Interest also accrues on underpayments and penalties. For partnerships and LLCs taxed as partnerships, a separate late filing penalty of $18 per partner or member per month, up to 12 months, may apply.