Before You Use CalFile

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much does it cost to use CalFile?
2. I don't know which form I need to file. How can I find out if I can use CalFile?
3. Can I use CalFile if I think I owe money?
4. Can I use CalFile if my last name changed in 2008?
5. Can I use CalFile on my computer?
6. If I have 30 minutes to complete each web page, how could I possibly complete my return in 15 minutes?
7. Can I use CalFile if I am a Registered Domestic Partner?
8. What is new with CalFile this year?
9. Can I use CalFile if I claimed the federal Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief exclusion?

More FAQs

1. How much does it cost to use CalFile?

   Nothing. CalFile is free for all taxpayers who qualify to use it.

2. I don't know which form I need to file. How can I find out if I can use CalFile?

   You do not need to know which form to file to use CalFile. Just check that you meet the CalFile qualifications. If you do, you can use CalFile to e-file your return.

3. Can I use CalFile if I think I owe money?

   Yes. When you use CalFile and you owe money, you can choose to pay by check, credit card, or send your payment electronically with your return. You can also come back to our website and use Web Pay after you use CalFile to e-file your return. Check out all of your options on the "Refund or Payments" page within CalFile.

4. Can I use CalFile if my last name changed in 2008?

   Yes. However, if your last name changed in 2008, please enter the last name you used to file your 2007 tax return to access CalFile and update the Name and Address page in CalFile with your new last name.

   If you have never filed a California tax return, please have your California Driver's License or California ID number available and call our Taxpayer Services Center for assistance.

   • From within the United States, call 800.353.9032
   • From outside the United States, call 916.845.6600

   Assistance for persons with disabilities: We comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Persons with hearing or speech impairments please call TTY/TDD 800.822.6268.

5. Can I use CalFile on my computer?

   Generally, you can. You will need:

   • Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Reader (version 6.0 or higher) to view and print your return. You can download the latest version of Adobe Reader for free from Adobe.
   • A compatible browser and operating system

   You must print and/or save a copy of your return before you e-file it.
   

6. If I have 30 minutes to complete each web page, how could I possibly complete my return in 15 minutes?

   Thirty minutes is the maximum time limit for each web page. If you have all of your materials ready before you begin, you should be able to complete each page in five minutes or less.

   If you have a common tax situation (such as only one Form W-2, some interest income, and no itemized deductions) you can reasonably complete your return in 15 minutes.

7. Can I use CalFile if I am a Registered Domestic Partner (RDP)?

   Yes. RDPs can use CalFile if you are not required to complete a pro forma California return or complete the California Filing Status Adjustments Worksheet - Registered Domestic Partners' Recalculated Federal Adjusted Gross Income. RDPs can use CalFile if they completed the federal schedules A and B. For more information on RDP, get FTB Publication 737, Tax Information for Registered Domestic Partners.

8. What is new with CalFile this year?

   There are several significant changes to CalFile this year. They include:

   • CalFile automatically checks all taxpayers for eligibility for ReadyReturn and offers taxpayer's who qualify the option to enter the ReadyReturn application to complete their return.
   • Taxpayers now have 30 minutes to complete each page of the CalFile and ReadyReturn applications. Previously, taxpayers had 20 minutes to complete each page.
   • Taxpayer can now enter up to 10 dependents in CalFile. Previously, only 5 dependents were allowed.
   • We have changed the login page slightly and moved the filing status choices to a separate page.
   • We have moved the spouse's or RDP's SSN and last name entry to a separate page, for a taxpayer choosing to file jointly.
   • Payment or refund information is now automatically populated onto the taxpayer's confirmation page as well as the Declaration Control Number (DCN).
   • Taxpayers should not mail the form FTB 8453-OL to FTB. Instead, sign the form and keep it with a copy of your 2008 tax return. The form FTB 8453-OL is included when you view or print your return in CalFile.
9. Can I use CalFile if I claimed the federal Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief exclusion?

   No. You cannot use CalFile if you received relief under this act. Check out our other e-file options.

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