As of May 31, 2023, we have updated our Code of Conduct.

Questions tagged [california]

for questions that relate to the laws, practices, and products for the state of California. California is a state within the 50 state union of the United States.

Filter by
Sorted by
Tagged with
10 votes
9 answers
14k views

What's the cheapest way to buy out a sibling's share of our parents house if I have no cash and want to pay less than the appraised value?

My mother passed away, leaving 75% of her house to me and 25% to my sister, setting this up as a trust. The house was appraised at $944K, based on the time of my mother's death (November 2022). I want ...
user1186050's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
111 views

If you make a certain amount of money, is inflation less of a factor when seeking a raise

My background: I'm 32 Live in California (US) I make $25/hr I'm married (spouse brings in income as well) At my current job I have usually received good raises percentage wise (~8-10% each time), ...
Josh Drentlaw's user avatar
0 votes
1 answer
37 views

Do employers in CA submit the DE4 form to the state?

The DE 4 is used to compute the amount of taxes to be withheld from your wages, by your employer, to accurately reflect your state tax withholding obligation. My question is, do employers simply use ...
James Wierzba's user avatar
1 vote
0 answers
98 views

California won't reissue stimulus check

A family member, a resident of California, received a Golden State Stimulus check in 2021. There was a problem and he wrote "Void" on the check. As per the instructions on the state website, ...
Shawn V. Wilson's user avatar
-3 votes
1 answer
99 views

What are the pros and cons, if any, of selling my WA-registered car in California as a Washington state resident?

I am a Washington state resident. I have a car registered in Washington state. I may have to drive down to California (Bay Area or Los Angeles). However, on the way back to Washington state, I can ...
Franck Dernoncourt's user avatar
1 vote
1 answer
104 views

Does providing IT services to a company in California from another state constitutes doing business in CA?

We provide IT services remotely to a small business in CA from another state. Does this mean we are doing business in California? According to the California Franchise Tax Board (CFTB)'s Doing ...
toraritte's user avatar
  • 113
0 votes
1 answer
12 views

What tax forms are required for solo S corps in California?

The FTB site only lists Form 100S as required filing. However, the EDD site also lists DE 34, DE 9, and DE 88. Are these forms necessary for the solo owner-employee?
llllvvuu's user avatar
  • 103
4 votes
1 answer
212 views

Is the CA Middle Class Tax Refund (MCTR) taxable?

Seems to be some confusion whether federal taxes are due. I did receive a form 1099-MISC from CA. FreeTaxUSA says it's exempt from CA taxes but federal is due, while TurboTax says it's exempt from ...
Dandan's user avatar
  • 151
-1 votes
1 answer
60 views

Taxation on Annual Incentive Plan bonus after relocation to a different US state

Each year, Bob, a US tax resident, receives some money in February from his employer in the US as his Annual Incentive Plan bonus. During the year 2022, Bob relocated from California to Washington ...
Franck Dernoncourt's user avatar
0 votes
1 answer
116 views

Does American digital nomad qualify for California Safe Harbor?

Do I qualify for California Safe Harbor exemption? I'm technically domiciled in California (I have a CA driver's license and a mailing address for banks, etc), but haven't been physically present in ...
will_durant's user avatar
4 votes
1 answer
51 views

Sales tax on inventory consumed during R&D

I'm considering setting up a sole proprietorship to sell kits (electronics and crafting) that I design. It's my understanding that, in most cases, I would be able to get a exemption certificate that ...
Adrian McCarthy's user avatar
0 votes
1 answer
207 views

Do I have any recourse if I was pressured into a car lease?

We thought our lease was due at the 3 year mark. We contacted a dealer and the pressure sales was pushed strong. In less than 2 days they found a car that was similar, but newer. They stated that ...
Leshea Nock's user avatar
1 vote
1 answer
50 views

Is there any official/governmental website for cost of living in the US cities? [closed]

I am looking for a website that I can find cost of living in my city in California and refrence to it in my official claim. Is there any one?
GoodMan's user avatar
  • 141
0 votes
2 answers
320 views

Should I buy a 23k hyundai elantra at 18?

With the car market being so insane right now it’s hard to find a car worth spending my money on. I live in LA so that’s probably making it worse, but I chose to go to a community college for 2 years ...
Hannah De La Cruz's user avatar
1 vote
1 answer
85 views

Any factors I should consider when choosing between car insurance companies besides price and coverage?

Any factors I should consider when choosing between car insurance companies besides price and coverage? I've heard people mention company reputation to see how likely they are to pay claims without ...
roobee's user avatar
  • 255
2 votes
2 answers
94 views

Itemizing property tax deduction on California state taxes?

I'm trying to understand if in California you are limited to the same $10k federal limit on property tax deduction. The only CA government info I can find is here Line 5e The federal deduction for ...
Daniel Jacobson's user avatar
0 votes
1 answer
104 views

Schedule CA 540 Part I Section A: what role do the little 'a' rows serve?

I'm a bit baffled looking at the Schedule CA 540 form in its Part I Section A set of rows. There's the rows that form the matrix against the various major columns A, B and C, but there's also this set ...
jxramos's user avatar
  • 1,311
1 vote
1 answer
82 views

How to attach amended federal tax return to fresh California tax return?

California income tax (paper Form 540) requires attaching a copy of the taxpayer's federal return. If, when filing a given year's California Form 540 for the first time (not amended), the federal ...
nanoman's user avatar
  • 29.3k
4 votes
1 answer
179 views

Does California double-tax the portion of incentive stock options which are subject to AMT?

Consider the following scenario: In 2020, Alice vests and exercises ISOs at $1 strike price, $3 FMV. Under California AMT, she generates $2/share of gain. Alice exercises enough shares to owe a ...
Kevin Chen's user avatar
9 votes
5 answers
3k views

Understanding underpayment penalty: implications and how to avoid it in the future

Here is a small explanation of my situation which I hope will help to understand my question: I am a full time employee who lives in California. Each year I get a W2 from my employee and 1099 from my ...
random's user avatar
  • 691
1 vote
1 answer
93 views

Cell Tower Rental Fees Transfer to New Home Community

I am about to move into a new home community that has a cell tower placed prior to the land being acquired for homebuilding. In its previous life, this piece of land was owned by a non-profit. ...
Concerned_Citizen's user avatar
0 votes
1 answer
36 views

International Non-Resident Spouse CA Tax Filing and Community Income

Indian citizen working and living in California since 2019 and considered a CA resident for tax purposes. Got married in Nov 2021 to my wife who lives in India. She did not join me in the US in 2021 ...
Kevin's user avatar
  • 101
2 votes
0 answers
112 views

How to calculate or define moving expenses for California resident tax deduction?

Situation: I meet the distance & time test for California Moving Expenses Deduction. Move was within California, in 2021. Single person household. The distance one way is 181 miles, using own ...
DavChana's user avatar
  • 219
16 votes
5 answers
7k views

Is it typical to start charging HOA fees before a community is fully built?

I am currently in the process of buying a home at a new community. My home is part of phase 1 out of 4 phases and will be ready for move-in prior to the completion of the entire community. But the ...
Concerned_Citizen's user avatar
1 vote
1 answer
59 views

Mella Roos Disclosure Requirements (California)

I live in Washington State and I’m in the process of helping my mom purchase a home (I’m paying, but she will be living in it). Given the competitive market, we recently put in a non-contingent offer ...
Andrew Jordane's user avatar
1 vote
1 answer
141 views

Do you qualify for Medi-Cal if you are wealthy and just don't work?

If I'm reading the descriptions of Medi-Cal correctly, low income alone is enough to qualify you for free medical coverage. So, if you are taking a sabbatical, working on your own startup (that isn't ...
MWB's user avatar
  • 531
1 vote
1 answer
89 views

Can being categorized as a "US resident" by the bank make me a tax resident in CA or US?

According to IRS, I was never a US tax resident. But there is a US bank that thinks I'm a resident in the US. I didn't update my info after leaving. I did fill out W8. I also filled out after leaving, ...
user113324's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
683 views

Splitting equity among domestic partners when one partner pays the full downpayment

My partner and I are looking to buy a home together in California and set up a contract for splitting the equity. I would pay the 20% downpayment on my own, and thereafter my partner and I would split ...
S L's user avatar
  • 23
0 votes
2 answers
147 views

How is it possible for an F-1/F-2 visa holder establish a company in the US?

If someone with the F-1(student) or the F-2(Student's dependent) visa is in the US. how can he establish a company in the US? Can he do it standalone(I mean register a company with his own with no ...
GoodMan's user avatar
  • 141
-2 votes
1 answer
101 views

Are businesses required to pay more than a specified minimum wage in respect to each job title in US? [closed]

Are there any laws about the businesses that mandates them to pay at least a minimum specified wage to their employees? I mean something like: A CEO should at least has $5k/month, or an engineer ...
GoodMan's user avatar
  • 141
4 votes
2 answers
82 views

Should I realize short term gains to make use of short term losses or offset against long term gains?

Similar to this question, but I’m trying to understand the strategic value of using ST losses. I currently have -$20k in ST losses and +$100k in LT gains. Per my math, if I use it against +$20k in ST ...
Tax saver's user avatar
1 vote
1 answer
85 views

Can a US LPR who changed their residency from California to Washington between Nov 2021 and summer 2022 opt ​out of the Washington long-term-care tax?

Can a US lawful permanent resident who changed their residency from California to Washington state between November 2021 and summer 2022 opt out of the newly established long-term-care payroll tax? E....
Franck Dernoncourt's user avatar
0 votes
1 answer
197 views

I have 5 cars and two drivers, can I cover one car with high liability and the rest with the minimum? California

We are family with lots of cars, 5 and only two drivers. We switch off depending on what we are doing. Commuting, I drive my 2 seater and wife drives her suv. Family outing we take our big sedan, trip ...
user avatar
0 votes
1 answer
99 views

Will stock options continue to vest if an employee goes into State Disability Insurance (SDI)?

If an employee in a publicly traded company needs to go on SDI (to get treatment) will the employee continue to vest options (ISOs, RSUs)? Is SDI like a sabbatical from a company's perspective where ...
perennial_noob's user avatar
0 votes
1 answer
121 views

purchasing a car with a trial period

A stranger is selling their car for $5000 and I like it for that price. But, instead of a straight purchase, I want to arrange a deal in which I pay $5000 in full now (without any loans) but can ...
bobuhito's user avatar
  • 474
10 votes
2 answers
320 views

What do I do after requesting and receiving a debt validation letter for a medical debt I don't recognize?

I received a debt collection call a few months ago from a professional debt collector for a debt I didn't recognize, followed by a written notice. I wrote back that I dispute the debt and requested ...
Robert's user avatar
  • 499
2 votes
1 answer
342 views

What should my state tax withholdings be? I live in VA and work remotely for a CA company

I work remotely for a company in California, but I'm a Virginia resident 100% of the time. This is my first year working for this company. Last year, I claimed 1 exemption on my VA taxes (myself). For ...
user111199's user avatar
2 votes
2 answers
146 views

Is the donation of billable or paid time of a contractor or employee tax-deductible?

In California, USA, for federal and state taxes, are services performed by a paid employee or contractor (who receives compensation for that time from the company as regular/overtime wages/salary or ...
seamux's user avatar
  • 45
1 vote
1 answer
90 views

How to respond to CA 2020 tax penalty notice? I forgot to indicate I had health coverage

I received this mail yesterday: PICTURE OF MAIL I am a student with F1 visa status and filed both federal and state taxes for 2019 and 2020. I do have an external scholarship that includes a very good ...
Mike's user avatar
  • 13
4 votes
1 answer
346 views

Why did I receive tax penalty on paid family leave from the California tax board?

I just received a notice from California tax board that says I owe state tax on the deduction I claimed in 2017 for paid family leave. This was filed through turbotax so I assumed it was accurate. I ...
John Jiang's user avatar
0 votes
1 answer
107 views

Which mailing address to use for disputing a California Franchise Tax Board 5818 Notice?

I just got an FTB 5818 Notice saying that I don't have Health Insurance. I am planning to dispute it by sending in my 1095-B. Question: Which mailing address should I be using: Franchise Tax Board PO ...
Kwok Fong's user avatar
0 votes
3 answers
385 views

After paying off your home, could you sell it to a confidant for $1, then buy it back for $1 in order to get lower property taxes in CA?

In California, property taxes are based upon the price that you paid for your home. Would it be legal, or even feasible, that when you finally pay off your mortgage, that you sell your home to a ...
Pete's user avatar
  • 11
4 votes
2 answers
184 views

Can I protect jointly owned assets from my spouse's professional liability? [closed]

My wife is a medical resident. She regularly makes complex decisions that could kill someone while she is chronically sleep deprived. Obviously, this is dangerous, but it's a nationwide problem that I ...
Tired Spouse's user avatar
2 votes
0 answers
23 views

Are state disability benefits taxable in tax year when you were eligible for them, or approved for them, or when benefits were actually paid?

Imagine that someone gave birth on November 5th, 2020. California allows moms to take off up to 8 weeks of disability insurance benefits. Are such state disability insurance benefits taxable in 1) tax ...
user389238's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
46 views

What re the federal and Calif. solar tax credits or deductions for a solar power systems and batteries purchased in California in year 2019 and 2021?

Bought a new solar power system for my primary residence for $65k in July 2019. Then moved this year and bought a $90k system Nov 2021. I'm using Turbo Tax.
Doug Null's user avatar
  • 596
0 votes
1 answer
30 views

Webpay for CA tax return not allowed owing to absence of previous records

I want to pay to CA state through web pay my tax due for 2020, but I am not allowed to register because I don't have a previous tax return. I am filing as non-resident alien. How can I make this ...
user2371765's user avatar
  • 1,064
0 votes
1 answer
153 views

Clarification regarding CA source income for non-resident

I am filing taxes for 2020 as CA non-resident because I have provided a CA address on my US trading account. I have foreign earned income, foreign interest, dividends from the trading account, and US ...
user2371765's user avatar
  • 1,064
1 vote
1 answer
46 views

Can one qualify for the Young Child Tax Credit if they don't qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit

In USA California State income tax if one knows they don't qualify for the Earned Income Credit (EITC) can they also deduce that they are also not eligible for the Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC)? ...
jxramos's user avatar
  • 1,311
2 votes
1 answer
115 views

Transfer 529 Funds from Child's Account to Pay Parent's Existing Student Loans?

We have been saving a little every month into our daughter's 529 account since she was born. She is now 10 years old, and the account balance is about $25,000. We intend to continue to make regular ...
Martin in Cal's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
463 views

Itemizing charitable deductions on California taxes while taking standard deduction + 2020 charitable deduction on federal taxes

This question is pretty specific, but it's worth a try. Apologies in advance for the length; I'm aiming to be as clear as possible. In 2020, as a provision of the CARES Act, it is possible to take the ...
tuna's user avatar
  • 123

1
2 3 4 5
8