California tax payment portal panic — Just days before the June 16, 2025 estimated tax deadline for individuals and businesses, California’s Franchise Tax Board (FTB) payment portal went offline. Here’s what happened, why it matters, and how taxpayers can navigate the chaos.
California Tax System Down Days Before Quarterly Cutoff
| Key Insight | Data Point |
|---|---|
| Portal outage affects MyFTB, CalFile | Multiple services offline |
| Alternative payment recommended | Use Web Pay “one-off” web portal |
| Deadline looming | Second-quarter estimated tax due June 16 |
California’s timing couldn’t be worse: a major tax system outage just days before a crucial deadline. But with Web Pay, mailed checks, and patience, taxpayers can still avoid penalties. The key? Don’t wait—get payments in by June 16, log proof, and follow up once systems are restored.
What Happened – And When
On June 12, 2025, the FTB’s “Maintenance” page flagged “technical issues that may impact … MyFTB, CalFile, and MEC Information Reporting”. Simultaneously, the “Pay” and “Contact” pages echoed the outage warning. The disruption blocked taxpayers from accessing their accounts and using CalFile for estimated tax payments.
While the FTB assured users the outage wasn’t due to a cyberattack, it provided no specifics on the cause or estimated resolution time.
Why It Matters – And Who’s Affected
The June 16 deadline for second-quarter estimated tax payments is fast approaching. Missed payments can incur significant penalties—up to 15% plus interest on late payroll taxes. For individuals and small business owners, an inaccessible portal could mean hitting late-fee triggers or scrambling for alternatives.
One taxpayer, Palo Alto resident Skip Shapiro, summed it up bluntly: “It is troubling that what presumably is a critical means by which the state collects revenue is out of order.” Shapiro pointed out that while you can pay via Web Pay, it’s a standalone transaction that doesn’t track history—so you lose transaction records and account credit history.
Quick Fixes: What You Can Do
- Use Web Pay – This standalone portal allows payments via bank account—no login required. It doesn’t preserve your payment history but ensures the payment reaches FTB .
- Mail a check or voucher – If your bank doesn’t support Web Pay, download Form 540‑ES or FTB 3519 for extension or quarterly payments and mail it with a check to FTB.
- Call the FTB – Lines may be busy, but general chat and the secure MyFTB chat (if partially working) remain options .
What the FTB Says
A spokesperson, Andrew LePage, stated the outage stemmed from “an internal system problem,” not cyberattack, and promised services would be restored by Friday morning, June 13–14.
How to Stay Ahead
- Double-check by June 14 whether MyFTB and CalFile are back up.
- Set reminders for the June 16 deadline—don’t delay hoping for a fix.
- Record proof of payment, especially via Web Pay or mail.
- Consider phone or mail options now, just in case technical issues persist.
FAQs
What’s the deadline for second-quarter estimated taxes?
June 16, 2025. This is the final day for estimated tax payments at either state or federal level.
What if I use Web Pay and lose my payment history?
Web Pay sends a receipt confirming your transaction. Save it—the payment credit is processed even if your history isn’t stored.
