You are required to file a California tax return if you are a California resident (Form 540 or Form 540 2EZ), part-year resident, or a nonresident (Form 540NR), who is required to file a federal tax return and received income from a California source. California state individual income tax returns are due by April 15 (for calendar year taxpayers). If you are not ready to file your state tax return by that date, you can get an automatic 6-month State of California tax extension and have until October 15 to file your return.

California tax extensions require no form to be filed to apply for a state tax extension. The State of California will grant you an automatic state tax return extension as long as you pay any tax balance you owe by the original deadline (April 15). Therefore, if you owe zero California income tax or you’re due a state tax refund, there's nothing to do anything to receive a California extension. Please note that if you operate a disregarded entity such as a single-member LLC or are a married couple under California law, and operated a multi-member LLC and you and your spouse are the only two members, you will owe the $800 Annual California Franchise tax fee. Use Form FTB 3522, LLC Tax Voucher when making your payment.

If you do owe taxes to the State of California, you must pay by the original tax return filing due date (April 15) to avoid incurring late payment penalties and interest. Use California Form FTB 3519 (Payment for Automatic Extension for Individuals) to submit your extension payment by check. If you are unsure whether you have a tax balance, use the worksheet on Form FTB 3519. To make an extension payment online, go to California Web Pay for Individuals.

For more information, visit the State of California Franchise Tax Board website: www.ftb.ca.gov