📢 Missed the May 15 deadline? E-File California Form 199 today to maintain your state tax-exempt status.
E-File CA Form 199 for the 2025 Tax Year with TaxZerone
Simplify the e-filing process of CA Form 199 for the 2025 tax year.
Complete your CA Form 199 e-filing with TaxZerone and maintain your tax-exempt status. It’s that simple!
File California Form 199 online for just $69.99
TaxZerone makes nonprofit state filings simple, fast, and affordable, helping you stay compliant with ease.
No additional or hidden cost for supporting schedules.
What Is California Form 199?
CA Form 199 is an annual information return required for tax-exempt organizations operating in California. It is filed with the California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) to report financial activities such as income, expenses, and overall operations.
The purpose of Form 199 is to help the state monitor nonprofit organizations and ensure they continue to meet California tax-exempt requirements. In simple terms, it is a yearly compliance report that keeps an organization in good standing with the state.
Some smaller organizations with lower annual gross receipts may qualify to file Form 199-N instead of the standard Form 199.
Filing deadline
Calendar-year filers
May 15
Fixed annual date
Fiscal-year filers
15th Day of the 5th Month
After the close of your tax year
Who Must File CA Form 199?
Most tax-exempt organizations operating in California are required to file CA FTB Form 199 with the California Franchise Tax Board if they are recognized as exempt or required to report annual financial activity.
Generally, an organization must file Form 199 if:
- It has been granted tax-exempt status by the California Franchise Tax Board (FTB), or
- It is a nonexempt charitable trust under IRC Section 4947(a)(1)
If you want to understand the detailed filing requirements, eligibility rules, and step-by-step instructions, refer to our Form 199 instructions online filing guide.
Filing Requirement Based on Gross Receipts
The requirement to file depends on the organization’s financial activity:
| Organization Type / Condition | Filing Requirement |
|---|---|
| Gross receipts $50,000 or less | May file California Form 199-N |
| Gross receipts more than $50,000 | Must file California Form 199 |
| Private foundations | Must file Form 199 (regardless of income) |
| Nonexempt charitable trusts (IRC 4947(a)(1), regardless of income) | Must file California Form 199 |
Gross receipts are generally calculated based on the average annual income over recent years to
determine the correct filing requirement.
What Is RRF-1?
- Form RRF-1 is an annual filing required for charities registered with the California Attorney General’s Registry of Charities and Fundraisers.
- It is used to renew registration and report the organization's financial activities.
- Most California charitable organizations, nonprofits, and charitable trusts must file Form RRF-1 each year.
- Certain organizations may qualify for an exemption under California law.
For detailed filing requirements and instructions, visit our
RRF-1 filing guide.
CA Form 199 e-filing made simple with TaxZerone
Follow the steps below to electronically file your CA Form 199
Provide Organization Details
Choose the tax year you want to file a return and provide your organization's details and other required information.
Preview the return
Review the information provided in the return for accuracy before transmitting.
Transmit to FTB
Once you have reviewed the form, you can transmit it to the FTB.
Stay tax-compliant with the FTB
California Form 199 Online Filing Guide
Stay compliant with California nonprofit filing requirements through our streamlined California Form 199 filing guide. This resource is designed to help tax-exempt organizations understand filing obligations, prepare required information, and complete the filing process accurately and efficiently.
Whether you are filing for the first time or managing annual compliance requirements, our guide provides clear information and helpful resources to support timely and accurate filing.
California Franchise Tax Board Resources
For official instructions, eligibility details, and the latest filing updates, refer to the California Franchise Tax Board Form 199 resources page.
Information Required to E-file CA Form 199 Online
Here is the list of major information that you’ll need to complete your CA Form 199 filing
- Organization’s Basic Information
- Organization’s Exempt Status
- Organization’s Activities
- Financial information such as revenues and expenses
- Filing fee details
Supporting Forms for CA Form 199
TaxZerone supports key schedules and forms for California Form 199 filing, which are auto-generated to simplify compliance.
- FTB Form 3885F - Report depreciation and amortization for exempt organizations
- FTB Form 3885 - Calculate depreciation and amortization deductions
- FTB Form 3509 - Report political or legislative activities for applicable organizations
- Form 8453-EO - California e-file Return Authorization for Exempt Organizations
California Form 199 Instructions and Resources
For additional filing guidance, eligibility details, and step-by-step instructions related to California Form 199, explore our California Form 199 instruction and resource section.
Why Us?
Here's why TaxZerone is an ideal choice for exempt organizations to e-file their CA 199 returns
Click2File
If you file your federal return with TaxZerone and select California, Click2File is enabled after transmission, letting you reuse the federal data to quickly complete FTB Form 199 without re-entry.
IRS-Authorized e-filing with TaxZerone
TaxZerone is an IRS-authorized e-filing provider, meaning your CA Form 199 will surely be accepted by the FTB.
Guided Filing with Expert Assistance
Get expert guidance for your Form 199 filing. Our step-by-step tutorials and helpful resources will make the process a smooth one. And if you need assistance, our support team is always ready to assist!
Unparalleled Security
We take your privacy seriously. TaxZerone employs robust security measures to safeguard your data and ensures that your Form 199 is transmitted securely to the FTB.
Seamless Status Tracking
Stay informed every step of the way. TaxZerone provides real-time updates on your filing status, ensuring you're always in the know about your tax-exempt status.
Re-transmit Rejected Returns
If the FTB rejects your CA Form 199 for any errors, you can fix those errors and retransmit the return for FREE!
TaxZerone supports filing for multiple tax years, helping you efficiently manage past and current returns.
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Stay Tax-Exempt Status with TaxZerone
It's time to simplify your e-filing process with TaxZerone!
E-file Form CA Form 199 and keep enjoying the benefits of your tax-exempt status
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is CA Form 199, and who needs to file it?
CA Form 199 must be filed by the following organizations:
- Organizations granted tax-exempt status by the FTB.
- Nonexempt charitable trusts as described in IRC Section 4947(a)(1).
2. What is the deadline for filing CA Form 199?
CA Form 199 is typically due on the 15th day of the 5th month after the end of the organization’s fiscal year.
3. Can an organization request an extension for filing CA Form 199?
However, an organization that is not in good standing or suspended on the original due date of the return will not be given an extension of time to file.
4. Can I paper file CA Form 199?
If payment is included with the completed form, mail it to:
Franchise Tax Board
PO Box 942857
Sacramento, CA 94257-0501 .
If payment is not required with the completed form, mail it to:
Franchise Tax Board
PO Box 942857
Sacramento, CA 94257-0501 .
