Download California 3539 Form

When filling out the California 3539 form, there are specific actions to take and avoid to ensure compliance and accuracy. Below is a list of recommended practices and pitfalls to steer clear of.

• Do complete the voucher accurately, including the corporation number and FEIN.
• Do ensure that the payment is submitted by the original due date if taxes are owed.
• Do keep a copy of the completed worksheet and the CA tax return for your records.
• Do verify that your organization is in good standing with the FTB before submitting the form.

• Don't send the payment voucher if no tax is due; simply keep it for your records.
• Don't submit the form without checking for accuracy in all entries.
• Don't ignore the EFT requirements if your organization qualifies; failure to comply may result in penalties.
• Don't assume that an extension to file is an extension to pay; ensure all tax liabilities are settled on time.

• Misconception 1: The California 3539 form is only for corporations.

This form is also applicable to exempt organizations. Both types can use it to request an automatic extension for filing their tax returns.

• Misconception 2: Filing the 3539 form extends the time to pay taxes.

An extension to file does not mean an extension to pay. Tax liabilities must still be settled by the original due date to avoid penalties.

• Misconception 3: If I don’t owe any taxes, I still need to file the form.

If no taxes are owed, there is no need to file the 3539 form. It is only necessary if you owe tax for the taxable year.

• Misconception 4: All corporations automatically qualify for an extension.

Only corporations that meet specific criteria, such as being in good standing and having not suspended rights, automatically qualify for an extension.

• Misconception 5: I can file the form anytime before the due date.

The form must be submitted by the original due date of the tax return to qualify for the extension.

• Misconception 6: The 3539 form can be filed electronically.

Currently, the form must be mailed in, especially if there is a tax payment due.

• Misconception 7: Corporations can ignore the EFT requirement.

Corporations with certain tax liabilities must remit payments through Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) to avoid penalties.

• Misconception 8: I can submit the payment voucher without the tax payment.

The payment voucher should only be submitted if there is a tax payment due. Otherwise, it should not be mailed.

• Misconception 9: The 3539 form is only for calendar year filers.

This form applies to both calendar year and fiscal year filers, with different due dates based on the type of organization.

• Misconception 10: I don’t need to keep records of the 3539 form.

It is essential to save the completed form and any associated worksheets as part of your tax records for future reference.

The California Form FTB 3539 is used by corporations and exempt organizations to request an automatic extension for filing their tax returns. However, several other forms and documents are commonly used alongside this form. Each of these documents serves a specific purpose in the tax filing process.

• Form 100: This is the California Corporation Franchise or Income Tax Return. Corporations use this form to report their income, calculate their tax liability, and pay any taxes owed to the state of California.
• Form 100S: This form is specifically for S corporations, which are corporations that elect to pass corporate income, losses, deductions, and credits through to their shareholders for federal tax purposes. It allows them to report their income and calculate their tax obligations.
• Form 199: This is the California Exempt Organization Annual Information Return. Exempt organizations use this form to report their financial activities and ensure compliance with state regulations. A filing fee is typically required with this return.
• Form 109: This form is used by certain exempt organizations to report business income. The due date for filing this form varies depending on the type of organization, and it is essential for maintaining compliance with California tax laws.
• Tax Payment Worksheet: This worksheet is included with Form FTB 3539 to help organizations calculate their tentative tax liability. It assists in determining the amount of tax due and is a crucial tool for accurate reporting.

Understanding these forms and their purposes is vital for compliance with California tax regulations. Properly completing and submitting the necessary documents can help avoid penalties and ensure timely filing.