California state tax extension guide
CALIFORNIA · STATE TAX EXTENSION GUIDE

California Personal Tax Extension 2026: 2025 Tax-Year Filing Guide

Individual Income Tax · California 540 · 540 2EZ · 540NR

This guide explains the California personal tax extension for the 2025 tax year. Most individuals receive an automatic extension to October 15, 2026, but payment is still due by April 15, 2026. For federal filing details, see our federal tax extension resources.

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California Extension Deadlines
Individual return
CA Extension Status
Automatic
Payment Voucher
FTB 3519
Online Payment
FTB Web Pay
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Important

California (CA) gives most individuals an automatic filing extension. File by October 15, 2026, and pay any California tax owed by April 15, 2026.

Last updated: September 12, 2026
Individual filing

California Personal Tax Extension: Filing Details

California generally grants an automatic six-month extension for individual income tax returns. The extended filing deadline for a 2025 calendar-year return is October 15, 2026.

Extended Deadline
Oct. 15, 2026
Automatic six-month extension
Extension Checklist
Individual Income Tax
Original deadline
April 15, 2026
Extended deadline
October 15, 2026
California return
Extension method
No extension form is required for most individuals. The automatic extension applies to filing time.
Payment
Pay California tax by April 15, 2026. Use FTB 3519 when submitting a payment by check or money order.
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The extension applies to filing time only. Pay any balance due by April 15 to limit penalties and interest.

At a glance

Quick Reference: Deadlines and Forms

Use this summary to confirm California personal filing deadlines, return forms, and payment requirements.

Original deadline
April 15, 2026
2025 California return
Extended deadline
Oct. 15, 2026
Automatic extension
Return forms: 540, 540 2EZ, 540NR
Payment
An extension of time to file does not extend the time to pay.
Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers about California personal tax extensions. Confirm current rules with the California Franchise Tax Board (FTB).

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