FTB Tax Relief Near Me: Why California Requires Local Expertise

If you're Googling “FTB tax relief near me,” you're likely in serious trouble with the California Franchise Tax Board (FTB). Maybe you've received a bank levy, a wage garnishment, or a notice demanding payment for back taxes you can't afford.

But here’s what most people don’t realize:

The FTB is not the IRS.
Their rules are different. Their collection tactics are more aggressive. And their system is even less forgiving.

In this post, we’ll break down:

• Why you should work with a local expert (not a national call center)
• How California's FTB collections work
• What your real tax relief options are
• How to stop enforcement actions fast

The FTB Doesn’t Mess Around

The Franchise Tax Board is California’s state income tax collection agency. They handle:

• Personal and business income tax enforcement
• Non-filer investigations
• Bank levies and wage garnishments
• Collection of other state debts (like vehicle registration and court fines)

Here’s what makes them different from the IRS:

• They can levy your bank account without a court order
• They use automated systems to issue wage garnishments quickly
• They don’t always send a warning before enforcement
• Their appeals process is more limited than the IRS’s

So if you're behind on your California taxes, you can't afford to wait.

Why Local Expertise Matters

Here’s the truth:

Most national tax relief firms don’t understand how the FTB operates.

They focus entirely on IRS problems — and when it comes to California enforcement, they’re often clueless or dangerous.

Local tax resolution firms (like ours) understand:

• The FTB’s MyFTB system and how to navigate it
• The exact forms and procedures for installment agreements
• How to request hardship holds
• Which compliance deadlines are flexible — and which ones aren't

We’ve handled hundreds of FTB cases right here in Orange County. We know how to get levies released, how to negotiate payment plans, and how to avoid long-term damage to your finances.

Real FTB Cases We've Handled in Orange County

Case: Self-Employed Filmmaker in Santa Ana

• Owed $39,000 to the FTB
• Had received a bank levy and was behind on returns
• We filed all missing returns, got the levy reversed, and negotiated a $400/month installment plan

Case: Business Owner in Anaheim

• Owed sales tax to CDTFA and income tax to the FTB
• Had received garnishment notices from both
• We separated the liabilities, worked with each agency, and kept the business running during resolution

Case: Retired Nurse in Irvine

• On Social Security with no income besides pension
• FTB was threatening collection despite limited means
• We placed her into Currently Not Collectible (CNC) status and protected all assets

What Are Your Options for FTB Tax Relief?

Just like the IRS, the FTB offers several resolution tools — but the rules are different.

1. FTB Installment Agreement

You can request a payment plan based on your ability to pay — but you must be current on all returns.

2. FTB Hardship Hold (Similar to CNC)

This temporary status pauses collection if you can prove financial hardship — but it’s not automatic.

3. FTB Offer in Compromise

California does have an OIC program, but it’s more selective than the IRS. We only file these if we can prove settlement is truly in the state’s best interest.

4. Penalty Abatement Request

The FTB may reduce penalties under special circumstances — especially for first-time offenders.

Looking for “FTB Tax Help Near Me”? You Found It.

At Boulanger CPA, we’re a California-based CPA firm focused exclusively on tax resolution — not tax prep.

We help people across Orange County stop FTB enforcement, resolve their debt, and move forward. And we do it with:

• Local knowledge
• Transparent pricing
• Direct CPA access (no call center agents)
• Years of experience with California tax enforcement

Ready to Stop FTB Collections?

Let’s get started with a confidential case review.

✅ Call (657) 218-5700
✅ Or schedule online here

We’ll tell you exactly what’s possible — and what to do next.

Related Posts

• IRS Tax Relief Near Me: How to Get Real Help in Orange County
• Can You Settle FTB Tax Debt in California?
• FTB vs IRS – Which One’s Worse?
• Tax Resolution Pricing

FAQ: FTB Tax Relief Near Me

📣 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.