Using ReadyReturn Online
- What do I need to use ReadyReturn online?
- Can I use ReadyReturn on my computer?
- What is a Customer Service Number (CSN)?
- I had additional income last year. How do I add this information?
- What other types of changes can I make with ReadyReturn online?
- I noticed my dependent's name is missing from my ReadyReturn. How do I add it?
- I use the head of household filing status. Can I submit the Head of Household Questionnaire (FTB 4803W) using ReadyReturn?
- I am no longer claimed as a dependent on someone else's return. How do I change this and claim my personal exemption credit?
- I claimed the renter's credit last year, but it doesn't appear on my ReadyReturn. How do I claim it this year?
- I need to make a lot of changes. Can I save my return and finish it later?
- How do I sign my return?
- What do I do if I make a mistake?
- I tried to submit my return but I got an error message. Did you get my return?
- When is my return considered filed?
- Can I get help using ReadyReturn online?
- What do I need to use ReadyReturn online?
To check to see if you qualify, all you need is your name and social security number. If you qualify, you will need your Customer Service Number (CSN) to view your ReadyReturn. We also recommend you have the following information:
- All income and tax statements you received for 2008, such as Forms W-2, W-2G, 1099-G, 1099-INT, and 1099-R.
- Use tax information, if reporting California use tax.
- Your federal tax return, if you want to itemize your deductions.
- Your bank account information to get your refund by direct deposit or to pay the amount you owe electronically.
- Can I use ReadyReturn on my computer?
Generally you can. You will need:
- Adobe Acrobat Reader (version 6.0 or higher) to view and print your return. You must view and print your return before you e-file it. You can download the latest version of Adobe Reader for free from Adobe.
- What is a Customer Service Number (CSN)?
Your CSN is like a password you use for shopping, banking, or doing other business online. We assign each taxpayer a new CSN every year. Only with your name, social security number, and CSN can you view your ReadyReturn online. You can get your CSN online using information from your 2007 California tax return or you can call our Taxpayer Services Center:
- From within the United States: 800.338.0505
- From outside the United States (not toll-free): 916.845.6500
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.
- I had additional income last year. How do I add this information?
On the "Accept My ReadyReturn or Make Changes" page, check the "Yes, I need to make other changes" box and click "Continue." We will guide you through updating your return.
- What other types of changes can I make with ReadyReturn online?
In ReadyReturn, you can:
- Change your name
- Update your address
- Add direct deposit or schedule an electronic tax payment
- Change your filing status
- Change your exemption credits
- Change the number of dependents you can claim
- Report additional income (types of income)
- Claim any taxes withheld from Forms W-2G or 1099-R
- Report additional tax payments you made
- Itemize your deductions
- Adjust your income due to differences in California and federal law
- Claim the Nonrefundable Renter's Credit or the Child and Dependent Care Expenses Credit
- Report use tax
- Donate to a voluntary contribution fund
- I noticed my dependent's name is missing from my ReadyReturn. How do I add it?
When you click the "Continue" button on the "Accept My ReadyReturn or Make Changes" page, we will ask you for the name and relationship of each dependent you are claiming on your ReadyReturn.
- I use the head of household filing status. Can I submit the Head of Household Questionnaire (FTB 4803W) using ReadyReturn?
Yes. When you click the "Continue" button on the "Accept My ReadyReturn or Make Changes" page, we will present you with the Head of Household Questionnaire. You can complete the questionnaire or choose to skip it.
- I am no longer claimed as a dependent on someone else's return. How do I change this and claim my personal exemption credit?
Step 1: On the "Accept My ReadyReturn or Make Changes" page, check the "Yes, I need to make other changes" box and click "Continue."
Step 2: When you get to the "Name and Address" page, remove the check in the box next to the statement "My parent (or someone else) can claim me as a dependent on his or her tax return."
- I claimed the renter's credit last year, but it doesn't appear on my ReadyReturn. How do I claim it this year?
Step 1: On the "Accept My ReadyReturn or Make Changes" page, check the "Yes, I need to make other changes" box and click "Continue."
Step 2: When you get to the "Build Your Return" page, answer "Yes" to question #4.
Step 3: Answer the questions on the "Nonrefundable Renter's Credit" page.
- I need to make a lot of changes. Can I save my return and finish it later?
No, when you exit ReadyReturn, all changes you made will be erased. You can come back later, but you will need to start over.
- How do I sign my return?
You will need to print and sign form FTB 8453-OL (California Online e-file Return Authorization for Individuals). Keep this form with your copy of your return. Do not mail it to FTB.
- What do I do if I make a mistake?
If you make a mistake on a web page before you click continue, delete the wrong information and enter the correct information. Use the update function if provided.
If you find a mistake after you click continue, you will need to use the "Back" button at the bottom of each page to get to the webpage you need to change. You will then need to use the "Continue" button at the bottom of each page to get back to the webpage you were on and complete your return.
If you find an error after you e-file your return, you will need to complete an Amended Individual Income Tax Return (Form 540X).
- I tried to submit my return but I got an error message. Did you get my return?
Generally, no. If you did not receive a page with a Declaration Control Number (DCN), we did not receive your return.
Try to log in to ReadyReturn again. If you receive a message that now says your social security number has already been used on a previously accepted return, please contact our Taxpayer Services Center:
- From within the United States: 800.852.5711
- From outside the United States (not toll-free): 916.845.6500
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.
- When is my return considered filed?
We consider your return filed as soon as we send you a confirmation page with your Declaration Control Number (DCN). Generally this takes less than two minutes after you submit your return. Be sure to print the confirmation page for your records or write your DCN on your California Online e-file Return Authorization for Individuals (form FTB 8453-OL).
- Can I get help using ReadyReturn online?
If you have questions about what to enter in ReadyReturn, click on the question mark icon
if available. This will display instructions and additional information.If you need more information than what is contained in the instructions, you can:
- Refer to the 2008 Personal Income Tax Booklet.
- Contact our Taxpayer Services Center:
- From within the United States: 800.852.5711
- From outside the United States (not toll-free): 916.845.6500
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.
If you need technical assistance with ReadyReturn, please contact us.