Your Rights. Our Standard.Independent Tax Education
Let’s Talk
Home/Notice Action Center/FTB 4684 / 4685
FTB · Missing Return

FTB 4684 / 4685Business Demand for Tax Return

FTB has no record of a required California business entity return.

Reviewed October 10, 2026 • Free Action Plan
Go to Your Next Steps
Know Your Response WindowRespond Within 30 Days of the Demand Date

FTB’s business notice directory states that FTB 4684/4685 requires a response within 30 days from the date of the demand. Confirm the printed response date. A request for help or return-preparation appointment does not automatically extend it.

Verify with the Agency
Make an Informed Choice

What You Can Handle.
When to Bring in Help.

DIY May Be Appropriate If…

  • You can identify the exact business entity and tax year.
  • You have filing proof, or can support the stated reason no return is required.
  • You can respond by the demand’s date.

Get Professional Help If…

  • The business type, California activity, registration, or closure history is unclear.
  • Several years or incomplete books are involved.
  • You received a later NPA or a suspension notice.
  • You assume no profit or no recent activity automatically resolves the demand.

You can contact the agency yourself. These conditions help you judge complexity; they do not determine eligibility or guarantee a result.

Put the Information to Work

Your Step-by-Step Plan

Choose the situation that matches your records. The steps help you prepare and respond; the agency decides your case.

0 of 5 steps checked

  1. Verify the Entity and Missing Year

    Match the name, identification number, business type, and period to your records. A personal return is not necessarily the business entity return FTB is requesting.

    FTB: Business Filing InformationFTB: Notices and Letters

  2. Determine Which Reply Applies

    Use the notice’s Reply to FTB instructions: a required return still needs filing, a return was already filed, or a filing requirement is absent or uncertain. Do not choose a no-filing response without checking the facts.

    FTB: Notices and LettersFTB: Business Filing Information

  3. Gather Filing Proof or Prepare the Return

    If filed, locate the actual accepted return and transmission or mailing evidence. If unfiled, assemble books, federal returns, prior state returns, and entity records for the correct tax year. A bookkeeper can organize records; a qualified preparer evaluates the return.

    FTB: Business Filing Information

  4. Send the Required Response on Time

    Use the reply form and submission instructions included with the demand, or the supported FTB self-service response. Give the requested explanation and supporting information. Keep a complete copy and submission confirmation.

    FTB: Request or Demand for Tax Return Response

  5. Follow Through with Filing and Payment

    Check whether FTB accepts the reply or requests more. If a return is due, complete it even if payment needs a separate arrangement. If an NPA follows, review its protest date as a new deadline rather than continuing only with this demand checklist.

    FTB: Payment PlansFTB: Notice of Proposed Assessment

Checkmarks are for your use on this page. They are not sent to an agency or stored as a case record.

Go to the Right Place

Who to Contact

FTB Office Listed on the Demand

Use its contact details for the requested return and reply process. The official business notice directory explains FTB 4684/4685.

Official Contact Route

FTB Request/Demand Response

Use the state’s supported response service with the information requested from your notice.

Official Contact Route

FTB Business Income Tax Collections

For a business balance or payment arrangement. This is not a substitute for filing the required demand response.

888-635-0494
Official Contact Route

Use the correct contact for your notice. Keep copies, reference numbers, and notes of any conversation.

Prepare Before You Respond

Records & Forms

  • Demand notice, envelope, and Reply to FTB form.
  • Entity formation, registration, and closure records relevant to the year.
  • Federal and state returns, filing acceptance records, and payment evidence.
  • Books, bank records, payroll, sales, income, and expense support.
Reply to FTB Form

Use the form supplied with the business demand.

Applicable California Business Return

The correct form depends on entity type, tax year, and filing requirements.

FTB Power of Attorney, If Needed

Use the authorization appropriate for the business entity.

Keep these records in your own secure files. The Liberty Standard inquiry form is for general information only.

Match the Expertise to the Work

Which Professional Could Help?

Tax Return PreparerCPAEnrolled AgentBookkeeperTax Attorney

A bookkeeper reconstructs records; an entity-tax preparer evaluates and files returns. Use California tax or legal advice for disputed obligations, suspension, or assessments.

Compare Roles & Verify Qualifications
Support by Choice

Choose How to Find Help.

Exploring help with FTB 4684 / 4685? Include that notice in your inquiry without sending the document itself.

Liberty Standard Resources

Find the Right Support.

Tell us what you need and the kind of professional you are looking for. Our network is in development. Any proposed introduction requires review of availability, credentials, and the work involved.

Request a Professional Connection

Your request does not arrange an introduction or engage a professional. Any proposed scope, fees, and terms must be explained before you decide.

Close the Loop

Know What Happens Next.

  • FTB confirms the return or accepts the supported explanation.
  • A required return is filed and any balance addressed.
  • FTB requests additional information.
  • No adequate response can lead to an estimated assessment and additional charges.

Sending a request does not mean the issue is resolved. Verify receipt, keep the response date visible, and follow the agency’s written determination.

The Source Behind the Steps

Official Sources

FTB: Notices and Letterswww.ftb.ca.govFTB: Business Filing Informationwww.ftb.ca.govFTB: Request or Demand for Tax Return Responsewebapp.ftb.ca.govFTB: Payment Planswww.ftb.ca.govFTB: Notice of Proposed Assessmentwww.ftb.ca.govFTB: Official Phone and Fax Directorywww.ftb.ca.govFTB: Power of Attorneywww.ftb.ca.gov

General education, not a professional engagement or an individualized tax or legal determination. Use the current agency instructions and the deadlines on your actual notice.

Explore Other Notices