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
Can a national tax firm help with California FTB issues?
Possibly, but most lack hands-on experience with the FTB’s unique procedures, notices, and settlement standards.
Do I need a CPA licensed in California?
It's strongly recommended. FTB processes, timelines, and calculations differ from the IRS — and a California-based CPA knows how to respond correctly and quickly.
What’s the biggest difference between IRS and FTB collections?
The FTB moves faster, with fewer notices and smaller thresholds for liens and levies.
Should I use the same tax pro for both IRS and FTB debt?
Yes — ideally one with experience handling both, especially within California’s stricter system.
📣 About the Author
Marc Boulanger, CPA is the founder of Boulanger CPA and Consulting PC, based in Orange County, California.
With over a decade of experience helping individuals and businesses resolve serious IRS and State tax issues, Marc specializes in tax resolution strategies including Offers in Compromise, wage garnishment relief, and back tax compliance.
He is licensed as a Certified Public Accountant in both California and Oklahoma, and has a proven track record of helping clients settle complex tax debts and regain financial stability.
📍 Learn more at www.orangecounty.cpa or call (657) 218-5700.
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