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The Global Insight

Where do I send my S corp tax return in California?

Author

Sarah Garza

Updated on March 17, 2026

Payments

  • Mail Form 100S with payment to: Mail Franchise Tax Board. PO Box 942857. Sacramento CA 94257-0501.
  • e-Filed returns: Mail form FTB 3586, Payment Voucher for Corporations and Exempt Organizations e-filed Returns, with payment to: Mail Franchise Tax Board. PO Box 942857. Sacramento CA 94257-0531.

    Do you have to pay the $800 California S Corp fee the first year?

    California law generally imposes a minimum franchise tax of $800 on every corporation incorporated, qualified to transact business, or doing business in California. A corporation that incorporates or qualifies to do business in California is exempt from paying the minimum franchise tax in its first taxable year.

    Which taxes corporation has to file in S California?

    franchise tax
    Instead, California requires S corporations to pay a 1.5% franchise tax on income, with a minimum tax of $800. In addition, an individual S corporation shareholder will owe tax to the state on his or her share of the company’s income. Example: For the latest tax year, your S corporation had net income of $100,000.

    How is an S Corp taxed in California?

    S Corporation Taxes In addition to federal taxes, California S corporations are subject to a franchise tax at a rate of 1.5 percent on net income with an annual minimum of $800 after the first year of existence. This is in addition to individual state income taxes.

    Do S corps pay federal taxes?

    How are S corps taxed? S corps don’t pay corporate income taxes, so there is not really an “S corp tax rate.” Instead, the company’s individual shareholders split up the income (or losses) amongst each other and report it on their own personal tax returns.

    What is an S corp in California?

    An S corporation is a corporation that elects to be taxed as a pass-through entity. They do not pay federal income taxes. They’re limited by the types of owners (shareholders) and cannot exceed 100 shareholders. A separate bank account and separate records are required with this form of business.

    Do you have to pay the $800 California LLC fee the first year 2020?

    No, since your California LLC doesn’t need to pay the $800 franchise tax for its 1st year, you don’t need to file Form 3522. Form 3522 will need to be filed in the 2nd year. For instructions on filing Form 3522, please see California LLC Annual Franchise Tax.

    How to file a California’s corporation tax return?

    You must file California S Corporation Franchise or Income Tax Return (Form 100S) 9 if the corporation is: 1 Incorporated in California 2 Doing business in California 7 3 Registered to do business in California with the Secretary of State 4 Receiving California source income

    Are there any tax credits for S corporations in California?

    The S corporation is allowed tax credits and net operating losses. The computation of tax on built-in gains and excess passive income. For more information on California S corporations, please see Form 100S Booklet (California S Corporation Franchise or Income Tax Return Booklet).

    When does a California corporation not have to pay franchise tax?

    On or after January 1, 2000, every corporation that incorporates or qualifies to do business in California is exempt from the: Prepaid minimum franchise tax paid to the Secretary of State. Minimum franchise tax for its first return. (See Example 1 below). These corporations compute their tax by multiplying their net income for the year by 1.5%.

    How does California corporation tax differ from other states?

    This differs from the tax treatment of these corporations in states where the federal S status is automatically accepted.