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FTB · Return Adjustment

FTB 5818Notice of Tax Return Change

FTB changed information while processing a return. The notice explains the specific adjustment.

Reviewed October 10, 2026 • Free Action Plan
Go to Your Next Steps
Know Your Response WindowUse the Notice’s Response and Payment Dates

FTB 5818 reports a processing change. Review its dates and any accompanying bill. It is not automatically a Notice of Proposed Assessment with a 60-day protest period. Follow the procedure linked to the actual explanation code.

Verify with the Agency
Make an Informed Choice

What You Can Handle.
When to Bring in Help.

DIY May Be Appropriate If…

  • You can locate the explanation code and compare it with your return.
  • The facts and supporting documents are available.
  • No separate assessment, appeal, or collection deadline is involved.

Get Professional Help If…

  • Several explanation codes affect different parts of the return.
  • The change involves disputed dependency, residency, or complex credits.
  • You cannot establish withholding or other claimed payments.
  • The changed return is not yours or you suspect identity theft.

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. Locate Every Explanation Code

    Find the alphanumeric codes at the end of the notice’s explanation paragraphs. Search those codes on the FTB Notice of Tax Return Change page. Record the affected line and amount for each.

    FTB: Notice of Tax Return Change

  2. Compare the Change with the Filed Return

    Recheck the referenced arithmetic, withholding, credit, filing status, or other item using the relevant records. A reduced refund can result from a different issue than additional tax.

    FTB: Notice of Tax Return Change

  3. Follow the Code-Specific Instructions

    If agreeing, update your records and pay any balance due. If disagreeing, gather what the code asks for. Some codes direct you to a particular office; use that route instead of mailing records to a generic address.

    FTB: Notice of Tax Return Change

  4. Contact FTB with a Focused Explanation

    Identify the code, tax year, disputed amount, and records supporting your position. Use the indicated contact and secure submission process. MyFTB uploads can assist review but do not automatically close the issue.

    FTB: MyFTB AccountFTB: Official Phone and Fax Directory

  5. Retain the Revised Calculation

    Keep the notice, your reconciliation, submitted copies, and FTB’s reply with the return. If the adjustment affects another year, ask a qualified preparer to assess that separately.

    FTB: Notice of Tax Return Change

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 Personal Income Tax Customer Service

Use the number printed on your verified notice first. General income-tax assistance is also available through this official directory.

800-852-5711
Official Contact Route

MyFTB

Review available account information and use supported secure services. Uploading documents alone is not a substitute for a required protest or response.

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

  • Every page of the notice and its envelope.
  • The filed return for each period listed.
  • Payment confirmations, cancelled checks, or bank transaction records.
  • Earlier notices, submitted responses, and agency confirmations.
  • All explanation codes and the return lines they changed.
  • Code-specific schedules, credit documents, and withholding evidence.
Forms Identified by the Explanation Code

Use the code’s instructions. There is no single universal form for every FTB 5818 response.

FTB Power of Attorney, If Needed

For authorized state-tax representation.

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 PreparerEnrolled AgentCPATax Attorney

A preparer can check calculations and supporting forms. Use California tax expertise for a substantive dispute and legal counsel for legal issues.

Compare Roles & Verify Qualifications
Support by Choice

Choose How to Find Help.

Exploring help with FTB 5818? 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.

  • The change is accepted and records are updated.
  • FTB reviews evidence and corrects or sustains the adjustment.
  • A balance or refund is revised.
  • Additional records or a different procedure are required.

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: Notice of Tax Return Changewww.ftb.ca.govFTB: MyFTB Accountwww.ftb.ca.govFTB: Official Phone and Fax Directorywww.ftb.ca.govFTB: Web Paywww.ftb.ca.govFTB: Payment Planswww.ftb.ca.govFTB: Power of Attorneywww.ftb.ca.govFTB: Notices and Letterswww.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.

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