What are the consequences of not filing my California state taxes?

Failing to file California state taxes can lead to a range of consequences that individuals may find quite serious. The California Franchise Tax Board takes tax compliance very seriously, and accordingly, there are penalties and interest that accrue when a tax return is not filed on time. Initially, individuals who do not file their taxes may face a failure-to-file penalty, which is typically a percentage of the outstanding balance due, calculated based on how late the return is. This penalty can significantly increase the total amount owed over time. Additionally, if the taxpayer had a filing requirement and does not file, the FTB may file a return on their behalf based on available information, often resulting in a higher tax liability and an unfavorable outcome. Besides monetary penalties, there may be interest charged on any unpaid tax from the original due date, which also compounds over time. Furthermore, a taxpayer’s inability to file may result in complications with acquiring loans or applying for financial aid, as tax returns are often required documents. In extreme cases, chronic non-filers could face legal actions, which might include levies or wage garnishments, where the FTB attempts to collect owed taxes through direct deductions from paychecks. To avoid such consequences, individuals are encouraged to fulfill their tax filing obligations in a timely manner. For more information on filing requirements and the potential repercussions of not meeting those requirements, one might consider visiting the official FTB website where resources and contact information are available.