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. Many taxpayers underestimate how aggressive California FTB bank levy enforcement can be — sometimes hitting accounts before you even realize your balance is at risk.
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. Knowing the California installment agreement options available — from short-term to long-term plans — can be the difference between losing assets and staying afloat.
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
This case highlights the importance of defending against CDTFA sales tax audits, which often overlap with FTB issues and can cripple small businesses if not managed properly.
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. If you’ve ever wondered how to settle FTB tax debt, an OIC may be possible, but the state requires strong documentation to prove hardship
4. Penalty Abatement Request
The FTB may reduce penalties under special circumstances — especially for first-time offenders. Taxpayers are often unaware of the California FTB penalty relief options that can substantially reduce balances when properly applied for.
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
For more strategies and resources, explore more in Defend What’s Yours — our hub for guides on defending against audits, settlements, and aggressive collections.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “FTB tax relief near me” mean?
It means finding local help in Orange County from professionals who understand California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) enforcement and how to resolve state tax debts.
How is FTB tax relief different from IRS tax relief?
The IRS offers more structured programs like installment agreements and Offers in Compromise. The FTB is often stricter and less willing to forgive balances.
What actions does the FTB take to collect taxes?
The FTB can issue bank levies, wage garnishments, suspend driver’s licenses, and intercept state refunds to collect unpaid tax balances.
Does the FTB have an Offer in Compromise program?
Yes. The FTB has an Offer in Compromise program, but eligibility is narrower and approval is harder to obtain compared to the IRS version.
Can penalties be reduced with the FTB?
Possibly. Penalty abatement is available if you can prove reasonable cause, but interest usually continues until balances are paid.
Should I hire a local CPA for FTB problems?
Yes. Local representation ensures someone familiar with California laws can negotiate directly with the FTB and protect your rights.
📣 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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