S-Corp tax return: How do I request a refund for CA $800 franchise tax that I paid? My Business did not open in 2017.

[lalu_rad2]

S-Corp tax return: How do I request a refund for CA $800 franchise tax that I paid? My Business did not open in 2017. I paid the tax because at the time I was a LLC (S-corp changed to the date that I created my LLC).

[AmandaR1 · Accepted solution]

To file for a refund, you can type or write a letter, stating when you paid the fee and why it was not required. Be sure to sign and date the statement. This is considered an informal claim of refund and should be mailed to:

STATE OF CALIFORNIA
INFORMAL CLAIMS UNIT MS F283
FRANCHISE TAX BOARD
PO BOX 1468

SACRAMENTO, CA 95812-1468

Learn more and read this information at the state website, here: https://www.ftb.ca.gov/individuals/claim-for-refund.shtml

As a single member LLC, you are only required to file the CA $800 franchise tax fee when your total income for the year exceeds $250,000 (before deducting expenses). All multi-member LLCs are required to file for the franchise tax fee. 

S-corporation status is only a tax election. Once your LLC elects S-corporation status, you are required to pay the franchise fee as well.