Filing state return by mail - what to include?

Forum|Forum|3 years ago
April 9, 2023
3 replies
2 views

I am confused about what exactly to print out and mail for my state (California) tax return by mail and if or if not I include the check for money owed. Do I mail the payment voucher and check separately from the printed state return? Or is that somehow only for folks e-filing their state return? In past years the state return to print was clearer and didn't have the payment voucher.

Best answer by MaryK4

If you mail your return and include a check for payment, you do not send the voucher. The 8453-OL is a voucher that is used if you mail the payment separate from the tax return. @spruegal

taxlady28

Level 10

When you print the return the mail the first page is a cover sheet. It has the address to mail the form to and a lis of what documents to put in the envelope with the form. Remember to sign the form and to use a mail service that notifies when the form has been delivered.

ErnieS0

Level 15

Mail everything that TurboTax prints out except for the cover sheet mentioned by awesome Community member taxlady28.

We suggest sending your return by certified mail with proof of delivery.

You can enclose, but not staple, a payment with your return, but it’s better to pay online on the Franchise Tax Board’s website. Go to Pay.

**Say "Thanks" by clicking the thumb icon in a post. **Mark the post that answers your question by clicking on "Mark as Best Answer"

spruegelAuthor

Level 2

Thanks but you're not answering my question. The state return pdf also includes Form 8453-OL that states in big print "do not mail this form to the FTP" yet that's the one with the line for signature?? There is also the payment voucher yet it says in all caps DO NOT MAIL A PAPER COPY OF YOUR TAX RETURN WITH THE PAYMENT VOUCHER. So - back to my question: do I send the voucher and check separately from the printed forms, and which form do I print and send with my signature? TurboTax has made this extremely confusing and discouraging people to save $25 by mailing instead of e-filing state returns.

MaryK4Answer

Level 15

If you mail your return and include a check for payment, you do not send the voucher. The 8453-OL is a voucher that is used if you mail the payment separate from the tax return. @spruegal

**Say "Thanks" by clicking the thumb icon in a post. **Mark the post that answers your question by clicking on "Mark as Best Answer"

mcellucci

Level 2

It took some digging, but I figured it out - I filed my federal online and said I'd file state later.

Then I went back to the beginning of the filing process and switched from efile to file by mail (which makes it look like you are going to file your federal return by mail - but I've already efiled it!)

Then it will direct you to print the state forms correctly.

NOT AS EASY AS IT USED TO BE