State of California Business Income Tax Extensions

S Corporations in California must file their Corporate tax return (FTB Form 100S), by the 15th day of the 3rd month following the close of the taxable year March 15th for calendar year filers). California grants an automatic 6 month state tax extension for Corporations to file their return. The extension is automatic; there is no form to submit. It is important to note that the extension only provides additional time to file, not pay any taxes you may have due or the $800 minimum annual California Franchise tax. S Corporations should use Form FTB 3539 with their extension or annual franchise tax payment.

California Multi-member LLC’s must file their LLC tax return (FTB Form 568) by the 15th day of the 3rd month following the close of the taxable year March 15th for calendar year filers). California grants an automatic 6 month state tax extension for LLC’s to file their return. The extension is automatic with no form to submit. It is important to note that the extension only provides additional time to file, not pay any taxes you may have due or the $800 minimum annual California Franchise tax. LLC’s should use Form FTB 3537 with their extension or annual franchise tax payment. LLC’s may also use FTB Form 3522, LLC Tax Voucher, to remit their annual franchise tax payment.

California partnerships must file their Partnership tax return (FTB Form 565) by the 15th day of the 3rd month after the end of the tax year (or March 15 for calendar year filers). California grants an automatic 6-month state tax extension without having to submit a written request. A California partnership tax extension moves the filing deadline from March 15th (for calendar year taxpayers) to September 15th. It is important to note that the extension provides you additional time to file, not pay any taxes you may have due or the $800 minimum annual California Franchise tax. Limited Partnerships should use Form FTB 3538 with their extension or annual franchise tax payment (General Partnerships are exempt from the annual franchise tax fee).

All Corporations, LLC’s and Limited Partnerships that are organized in or deriving revenue from within the State of California are subject to the $800 minimum tax each year. Regardless of the due date of your business tax return, that tax is due on April 15th. As with tax payments, California does not grant extensions on payment of the California Annual Franchise Tax.