CDTFA introduces new digital tools to simplify sales tax filing for small businesses

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Filing taxes is getting easier for tens of thousands of small businesses in California with the introduction of two new CDTFA filing tools: Quick File and the Return Filing Tool.

Sacramento — The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) is launching two new online tools that streamline the filing process for small businesses. Quick File and the Return Filing Tool are now available to eligible retailers who file sales tax returns online.

"Filing taxes can be complex, but Quick File and the Return Filing Tool make the process easier for small businesses," said CDTFA Director Trista Gonzalez. "These tools are part of CDTFA’s commitment to help small businesses in California succeed by improving the filing process so they can efficiently remit the tax dollars they collect from their customers."

• Quick File allows small businesses to:
  • Determine eligibility by answering five simple questions.
  • If eligible, complete their fiscal-yearly or annual sales tax return in under two minutes.
• The Return Filing Tool offers:
  • A guided, step-by-step filing process.
  • Straightforward questions that ensure accuracy.

The launch of Quick File and the Return Filing Tool advances Governor Newsom’s Executive Order N-30-25 by supporting improved digital efficiencies for California’s small businesses by delivering the effective, efficient, and engaged government the Executive Order envisioned. These tools provide retailers with more guided options to file their return, offering them more time to focus on their operations and what they do best.

"While we’re excited to offer Quick File and the Return Filing Tool to small businesses, CDTFA will continue to look for ways to improve the tax filing process for all businesses," added Director Gonzalez.

Taxpayers can access these tools by simply logging into their Online Services profile. Businesses that potentially qualify for Quick File will be asked — once they begin their return — if they want to try the new path. Business owners eligible for the Return Filing Tool will see a new link: File Using the Return Filing Tool.

The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) administers California’s sales and use, fuel, tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis taxes, as well as other taxes and fees that fund specific state programs. CDTFA-administered programs accounted for more than $97.8 billion last fiscal year, supporting essential local services such as transportation, public safety and health, libraries, schools, social services, and natural resource management programs through the distribution of tax dollars going directly to local communities.