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.
In this guide, we explain why local experience matters, how FTB issues differ from IRS cases, and how Orange County taxpayers
benefit by hiring a California-based tax resolution expert.
📌 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 |
👉 IRS Tax Relief vs FTB Relief – Key Differences
Only a California-based tax professional understands how to navigate this system quickly and effectively.
✅ 2. FTB Notices Are Less Forgiving Than IRS Notices
If you ignore an IRS notice, you’ll usually receive 2–3 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’re hit with a levy, lien, or substitute return.
👉 What Happens If You Ignore FTB Notices
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 $500 balances
- Intercepts refunds from other state agencies
A California-based tax pro has direct experience with local FTB collection reps and knows how to respond fast to stop the bleeding.
👉 FTB Collections Process: A Guide for California Taxpayers
✅ 4. FTB Offer in Compromise Rules Are Unique
The IRS Offer in Compromise process is difficult — but well documented.
The FTB? It’s
stricter, slower, and more aggressive in calculating:
- Real estate equity
- Cash availability
- Projected future income
Only a California CPA who files FTB Offers regularly can:
- Prepare accurate financial disclosures
- Structure realistic settlement offers
- Navigate the FTB’s rigid evaluation process
👉 How the FTB Evaluates Your Ability to Pay
✅ 5. Local Knowledge = Better Negotiation Power
- Familiarity with FTB collection reps
- Experience negotiating liens and levies in California
- Understanding of how CA courts and agencies interact with tax enforcement
National tax firms may say they “handle FTB cases,” but they rarely understand the local legal, financial, and procedural landscape the way a California-based CPA does.
🧭 When You Definitely Need a California-Based Tax Pro
- You received a Notice of Proposed Assessment
- You haven’t filed California returns in multiple years
- Your bank account was levied
- Your wages were garnished without warning
- You’re applying for a FTB Offer in Compromise
- You owe both IRS and FTB, and need a coordinated plan
- You’re trying to sell or refinance property, and there’s an FTB lien
👉 Can You Negotiate 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
🌐
www.orangecounty.cpa
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a California tax professional do?
A tax professional—such as a CPA, enrolled agent, or tax attorney—represents taxpayers in dealing with the Franchise Tax Board (FTB). They help resolve back taxes, file missing returns, negotiate settlements, and stop collections.
When should I hire someone to help with my FTB issue?
You should seek help if you’ve received a notice from the FTB, owe more than $5,000, are facing wage garnishments or bank levies, or need to file multiple missing returns. Early representation improves your outcome.
Is it better to use a CPA or tax attorney for FTB problems?
For most FTB issues, a CPA is the best choice—especially when the problem involves unfiled returns, penalty relief, or installment agreements. A tax attorney is typically only needed for criminal or court matters.
Can a tax professional really stop FTB collections?
Yes. A tax professional can submit documentation, request a hold on enforcement, negotiate a payment plan, or file for hardship status. These steps often stop garnishments or levies in progress.
How much does it cost to hire a CPA for FTB help?
Fees vary based on the complexity of your case. A basic Phase 1 resolution review may cost $1,500 to $2,500, while full representation in audits or settlements can range from $3,500 to $8,500 or more. Transparent flat-fee pricing is common.
📣 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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