Q: Hi, I received a tax bill from 2021 for the franchise board of California. However I did not live or work in CA then.
I lived in Florida and filed taxes jointly with my husband that year as Florida residents.
I have never received a bill for this, or was it added to the taxes we've owed in the past, which we alway pay on time.
I never worked in the year 2021, even in florida. The tax bill is under my social security but the first name is not my name.
Can you tell me where I can get help fighting this?
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A:
This sounds like a case of potential identity theft or administrative error, especially since the first name doesn't match your records. Your first step should be to contact the California Franchise Tax Board directly at 800-852-5711 to dispute the bill and explain your situation.
You'll want to gather documentation proving your Florida residency for 2021, including your Florida tax return, utility bills, property records, or rental agreements. The IRS transcript of your 2021 federal return could also help demonstrate you filed as a Florida resident with no California income.
Contact your local Taxpayer Advocate Service office in Florida (877-777-4778) for free help resolving this issue with California tax authorities. You should also check your credit reports at annualcreditreport.com to look for any suspicious activity, and consider filing an identity theft report with the FTC at identitytheft.gov if you discover evidence of fraud. The California Taxpayer Advocate's office (916-845-6724) can be another helpful resource in resolving incorrect tax bills.
Robert Weinstein agrees with this answer
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