Why You Need a California-Based Tax Professional for FTB Issues
Introduction: Not All Tax Problems Are Created Equal
If you’ve fallen behind on your California state taxes, chances are the Franchise Tax Board (FTB) is already sending notices, adding penalties, or preparing enforcement actions.
And while you might be tempted to hire any tax pro who “handles back taxes,” here’s the truth:
You need someone based in California — who deals with the FTB every day. You should get help from a California-based CPA for FTB issues because the state’s tax system operates very differently from the IRS.
In this guide, we’ll explain why local experience matters, how to understand California’s tax debt collection process, and how Orange County taxpayers benefit by having representation from someone who knows the FTB inside and out.
📌 Top 5 Reasons to Work With a California-Based Tax Pro for FTB Cases
✅ 1. The FTB Plays by a Different Set of Rules
The IRS and FTB may both collect taxes, but they operate very differently.
| IRS | FTB | |
|---|---|---|
| Notice cycles | Slower, multi-step | Fast, minimal warnings |
| Lien thresholds | ~$10,000 | As low as $100 |
| Levy processes | Requires 30-day notice | Can levy bank accounts almost immediately |
| Appeal rights | CDP hearing, appeals officer | Limited formal appeal process |
| Hardship programs | CNC status (well-defined) Ha | Harder to get hardship deferral approved |
The IRS and FTB may both collect taxes, but their rules, timelines, and relief programs are different. To succeed, you must understand why state and federal relief differ and adapt your strategy to each.
✅2. FTB Deadlines Are Less Forgiving Than IRS Notices
If you ignore an IRS notice, you’ll usually receive two or three more letters before anything major happens.
The FTB? Not so much.
- Miss one Demand for Tax Return?
- Ignore a Notice of Proposed Assessment?
Boom — you could be hit with a levy, lien, or even a substitute return.
Knowing how quickly each moves will help you see which agency enforces more aggressively so you can prioritize your response.
A local tax pro knows which notices are urgent and how quickly you need to act.
✅ 3.FTB Collections Move Fast — and Hit Hard
The FTB routinely:
- Garnishes wages without court involvement
- Levies bank accounts with minimal notice
- Files liens even on balances under $500
- Intercepts refunds from other state agencies
A California-based tax pro has direct experience with local FTB collections and knows how to respond fast to stop the problem from escalating.
A local tax pro with FTB experience knows how to respond before collections spiral out of control — and can help you
learn why local representation matters when dealing with state agents and California courts.
✅ 4. FTB Offer in Compromise Rules Are Unique
The IRS Offer in Compromise process is difficult — but at least it’s well-documented.
The FTB? It’s stricter and often more aggressive in calculating:
- Reasonable expenses
- Asset equity
- Projected future income
Only a California CPA who deals with FTB Offers regularly can:
- Prepare accurate financial disclosures
- Structure realistic settlement offers
- Navigate the FTB’s rigid evaluation process
👉 How FTB evaluates Your Ability to Pay
✅ 5 Local Knowledge = Better Negotiation
- Familiarity with local FTB collection reps
- Experience negotiating liens and levies in California
- Understanding of California courts and agency interactions with tax enforcement
National tax firms may say they “handle FTB cases,” but they rarely understand the legal, financial, and procedural landscape like a California-based CPA does.
🧭 When You Definitely Need a California-Based Tax Pro
Call a local expert if:
- You received a Notice of Proposed Assessment
- You haven’t filed California returns for multiple years
- Your bank account was levied
- Your wages were garnished without warning
- You’re applying for an FTB Offer in Compromise
- You owe both IRS and FTB and need a coordinated plan
- You’re trying to sell real property with an FTB lien on it
👉 Can You Negotiate with Both IRS and FTB Debt at the Same Time?
📍 How Boulanger CPA Helps Orange County Taxpayers
We help individuals and business owners across Santa Ana, Irvine, Anaheim, Fullerton, and beyond:
- Respond to FTB notices before enforcement hits
- File missing returns or reverse substitute returns
- Apply for CA Offer in Compromise or hardship deferral
- Stop levies, garnishments, and liens
- Coordinate IRS and FTB resolutions simultaneously
Call 657-218-5700 or visit www.orangecounty.cpa to schedule a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I hire a California-based tax professional?
California tax professionals understand the specific rules, procedures, and enforcement tactics of the Franchise Tax Board, which differ from the IRS.
Can an out-of-state tax relief company handle my FTB case?
While they can try, most out-of-state firms lack the experience with California-specific tax laws and often fail to achieve the best outcome.
What’s different about the FTB compared to the IRS?
The FTB has its own collection process, higher interest rates, and often more aggressive enforcement timelines than the IRS.
Can a California CPA represent me remotely?
Yes. A California-licensed CPA can represent you before the FTB regardless of where you live, and can handle your case entirely remotely if preferred.
What kinds of FTB cases need a local expert?
Cases involving audits, wage garnishments, bank levies, liens, Offers in Compromise, and penalty abatement are best handled by California-based professionals.
How can a local CPA improve my chances of success?
A local CPA knows the FTB’s processes, can communicate more effectively with state agents, and can use experience from similar cases to strengthen your position.
📣 About the Author
Marc Boulanger, CPA is the founder of Boulanger CPA and Consulting PC, a boutique tax resolution firm based in Orange County, California and trusted by high-income individuals and business owners across Southern California.
He is the author of Defend What’s Yours: A California Taxpayer’s Guide to Beating the IRS and FTB at Their Own Game, available now on Amazon. The book offers a step-by-step plan for resolving IRS and FTB tax debt without losing your business, your home, or your peace of mind.
With over a decade of experience resolving high-stakes IRS and State tax matters, Marc brings strategic insight to complex cases involving wage garnishments, bank levies, unfiled returns, and six-figure tax debts. He is known for helping clients reduce or eliminate tax liabilities through expertly negotiated settlements and compliance plans.
Marc is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in California and Oklahoma and holds the designation of Certified Tax Representation Consultant. He is a member of the American Society of Tax Problem Solvers (ASTPS) — the national organization founded by the educators and practitioners who have trained thousands of CPAs, EAs, and tax attorneys in IRS representation strategy.
Every case is handled with discretion, proven methodology, and direct CPA-led representation — not call center scripts.
📍 Learn more at www.orangecounty.cpa or call (657) 218-5700.
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