Your Step-by-Step Plan
Choose the situation that matches your records. The steps help you prepare and respond; the agency decides your case.
Record the Proposed Adjustments and Deadline
Read the NPA and audit explanation. List the tax years, amounts accepted, amounts disputed, and Protest By date. FTB 5830 is a proposed assessment, not merely a reminder bill.
Prepare the Facts and Support
For each disputed adjustment, state the facts, reason for disagreement, and supporting records or legal authority. Include a copy of the NPA. If tax-law interpretation is material, obtain advice before making unsupported assertions.
Submit a Complete Protest If Disputing
In MyFTB, use Account, Proposed Assessments, then the relevant NPA and protest instructions. Alternatively, use the official written protest route. Include identity/contact details, years and amounts, explanation, evidence, and required signature. Save submission proof.
Address Payment Separately
If agreeing, use the NPA payment instructions. If disputing and considering a tax deposit to limit interest, read Publication 7275 and the applicable voucher instructions. A payment alone is not a protest.
Respond to Review and Read the Decision
Track FTB’s acknowledgment and any information requests. Review the Notice of Action when issued; it can start a separate appeal deadline. Do not treat the original protest as covering a later appeal automatically.
Checkmarks are for your use on this page. They are not sent to an agency or stored as a case record.
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.
800-852-5711MyFTB
Review available account information and use supported secure services. Uploading documents alone is not a substitute for a required protest or response.
FTB Protest Process
The official page supplies online, mail, and fax instructions and required contents. Use the process that fits your NPA.
Use the correct contact for your notice. Keep copies, reference numbers, and notes of any conversation.
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.
- NPA and audit schedules.
- A separate explanation and evidence for each disputed adjustment.
Include the official required contents and submit on time.
Read the individual pending-audit tax-deposit instructions before using it.
Authorizes a representative for the specified state matters.
Keep these records in your own secure files. The Liberty Standard inquiry form is for general information only.
Which Professional Could Help?
Use California audit/protest experience for disputed facts or tax treatment, and a tax attorney for legal analysis or litigation.
Compare Roles & Verify QualificationsKnow What Happens Next.
- FTB affirms, revises, or withdraws the assessment after review.
- FTB asks for additional records.
- A Notice of Action provides the decision and any further appeal procedure.
- Without timely action, the proposal may become final and billable.
Sending a request does not mean the issue is resolved. Verify receipt, keep the response date visible, and follow the agency’s written determination.
Official Sources
FTB: Notice of Proposed Assessmentwww.ftb.ca.govFTB: Publication 7275, Personal Income Tax NPA Informationwww.ftb.ca.govFTB: Disagree With an NPAwww.ftb.ca.govFTB: MyFTB Accountwww.ftb.ca.govFTB: Web Paywww.ftb.ca.govFTB: Payment Planswww.ftb.ca.govFTB: Official Phone and Fax Directorywww.ftb.ca.govFTB: Power of Attorneywww.ftb.ca.govFTB: Notices and Letterswww.ftb.ca.govGeneral education, not a professional engagement or an individualized tax or legal determination. Use the current agency instructions and the deadlines on your actual notice.