If you’ve received a notice from the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA), you’re not alone — but you are at serious risk. The CDTFA aggressively audits businesses throughout Orange County and across California for sales and use tax compliance.


If they believe you’ve underreported, misclassified, or failed to remit taxes properly, they can assess tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars — often based on industry estimates or flawed assumptions.



At Boulanger CPA and Consulting PC, we defend California business owners at every stage of the CDTFA sales tax audit process — from first notice to appeals and petitions — using CPA-led audit strategies designed to reduce what you owe and protect your livelihood.


What to Expect During a CDTFA Audit

Sales tax audits are not like IRS audits. The CDTFA can:


  • Reconstruct your sales using estimates and industry ratios
  • Interview your employees
  • Demand bank records and merchant statements
  • Assess tax, penalties, and 25%–50% interest


Even honest businesses with POS mismatches, cash sales, or inventory miscodes can end up with devastating audit results.



Who Gets Audited in California?

CDTFA audit targets often include:


  • Restaurants and bars (esp. cash-heavy)
  • Retailers and wholesalers
  • Auto repair shops and car dealers
  • Construction contractors
  • Online sellers and multi-state operators
  • Anyone with inconsistent sales tax filings or late payments


The audit doesn’t have to be recent — CDTFA may go back 3–8 years, and expand the scope based on what they find.

How We Help

Stage Our Defense Strategy
Audit Notice Received We respond directly to CDTFA and take control
Records Requested We review, organize, and challenge improper scope
Preliminary Findings We dispute flawed assumptions and push back on estimates
Final Determination We file petitions or appeals when needed

We’re a CPA firm — not a call center — and we know how CDTFA thinks. We bring clarity, experience, and aggressive representation.

Act Before the Numbers Get Worse

The CDTFA audit process is fast-moving. If you delay, you could:


  • Miss deadlines that lock in liabilities
  • Lose your right to appeal
  • Face levies, liens, and license suspension



Don’t just send in your records without a plan. Let us protect your rights and reduce your exposure.


The CDTFA audit process is fast-moving. If you delay, you could:

  • Miss deadlines that lock in liabilities
  • Lose your right to appeal
  • Face levies, liens, and license suspension


Get Help from a Local CPA Who Understands California Tax Law

Don’t just send in your records without a plan. Let us protect your rights and reduce your exposure. We help you develop CDTFA, FTB, and EDD resolution strategies.


We work with restaurant owners, contractors, and business owners across California to resolve CDTFA audits.


📍 Based in Orange County – Serving All of California
📞 Call: 657-218-5700
📧 Email: marc@boulangercpa.com


Call  657-218-5700 or  schedule a free consultation today.


We’ll help you take control of your situation—and deal with the CDTFA so you don’t have to. Speak to a Local CPA

Frequently Asked Questions About CDTFA Sales Tax Audits

What triggers a CDTFA audit?

Common triggers include inconsistent sales tax filings, high cash sales, POS mismatches, or past audit findings. Online sellers and restaurants are frequent targets.

Can I negotiate the audit balance with the CDTFA?

Yes. We can often dispute estimated assessments, file petitions, and negotiate settlements based on documentation or hardship factors.

How far back can the CDTFA audit my business?

The CDTFA typically audits up to 3 years back, but can go further if fraud or failure to file is suspected.

What if I already closed my business?

Even closed businesses can be audited. CDTFA may pursue former officers or owners personally in certain cases.

Do I need a CPA or an attorney for a CDTFA audit?

A CPA who specializes in California sales tax audits can represent you effectively. We handle all communication, calculations, and appeals.