FAQ Roundup The Most Common Questions We Get About FTB Relief

Introduction: You’re Not Alone — Everyone Has FTB Questions

If you’re struggling with tax debt, the California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) can seem intimidating — and most taxpayers don’t know where to start.

At Boulanger CPA, we help clients across Orange County navigate FTB audits, collections, and settlement programs every day. And after dozens of consultations and hundreds of successful resolutions, we’ve identified the questions we hear most often.

This guide answers those FAQs — clearly, simply, and with real solutions that work.

Let’s dive in.

✅ Most Common FTB Relief Questions – Answered

Q1: What does it mean if I get a notice from the FTB?

A notice means the FTB believes you:

• Owe back taxes
• Missed a return filing
• Have unpaid interest or penalties
• Are being audited or subject to enforcement

👉 Received a Notice from the FTB? Here’s What It Means

Q2: Can the FTB file a tax return for me?

Yes — it’s called a Substitute Return. If you fail to file, the FTB may create a return for you, often using inflated income and no deductions.

👉 Can the FTB File a Return for You? (Substitute Returns in California)

Q3: Can the FTB garnish my wages or levy my bank account?

Absolutely — and faster than the IRS in many cases. The FTB uses an aggressive collection system and can:

• Garnish wages using a fixed exemption table
• Freeze your checking or savings account
• File a lien on property or your business

👉 How to Stop an FTB Bank Levy Before It Starts

Q4: How long does an FTB lien stay on my record?

Until it’s resolved. Even after you pay the debt, you must request a Certificate of Release and submit it to the appropriate agencies.

👉 How Long Does an FTB Tax Lien Stay on Your Record?

Q5: Can I settle my California tax debt for less than I owe?

Yes — through the FTB Offer in Compromise program. You must:

• Be in full filing compliance
• Prove financial hardship
• Submit complete supporting documentation

👉 FTB Offer in Compromise Success Rates & Mistakes to Avoid

Q6: How is an FTB Offer in Compromise different from the IRS version?

The FTB has:

• Stricter review of assets
• Longer review timelines
• Less flexibility on home equity or projected income

👉 FTB vs IRS Offer in Compromise: What’s the Difference?

Q7: Do I need a CPA or can a tax preparer help me with FTB issues?

If you owe $10,000+ or face garnishment, suspension, or audit — you need a CPA.

👉 5 Signs You Need a CPA (Not Just a Tax Preparer) for FTB Issues

Q8: What happens if I ignore an FTB notice?

You may face:

• Wage garnishment
• Bank levy
• Business suspension
• Loss of appeal rights

👉 What Happens If You Ignore FTB Notices

Q9: Can I negotiate both IRS and FTB debt at the same time?

Yes — but each requires its own resolution. You’ll need:

• A clear strategy
• Coordinated documentation
• Representation with both agencies

👉 Can You Negotiate Both IRS and FTB Debt at the Same Time?

Q10: I’m a business owner. What happens if the FTB targets my company?

They can:

• Suspend your LLC or Corp
• File liens
• Levy accounts
• Collect CDTFA and EDD balances

👉 What to Do If the FTB Is Targeting Your Business

🧭 How Boulanger CPA Helps Orange County Taxpayers

We help clients across Irvine, Anaheim, Santa Ana, and Fullerton with:

• FTB audit and collection defense
• Filing late or corrected returns
• Offers in Compromise and payment plans
• Levy, lien, and wage garnishment resolution
• Business reinstatement or dissolution

📞 Call 657-218-5700
🌐 www.orangecounty.cpa

📣 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.