540: California Resident Income Tax Return (2024)
California · FTB · Used for tax years 2024
Form 540 is the 2024 California Resident Income Tax Return. It reports income, California adjustments, deductions, credits, taxes, withholding, and other payments to calculate taxable income, total tax, and any overpaid tax.
What you'll need
Have these documents and details available, as applicable:
- Federal Form(s) W-2: Line 12 uses state wages from box 16.
- Federal Form 1040 or 1040-SR: Line 13 uses federal adjusted gross income from line 11.
- Schedule CA (540): Used for California income adjustments and California itemized deductions.
- Forms 592-B and/or 593: Used to report withholding on line 73.
- 2024 California estimated tax and other payment information: Used on line 72.
- Personal and dependent information: Names, Social Security numbers or ITINs as requested, birth dates for you and your spouse/RDP, address details, and dependents’ relationships to you.
- Bank account details for direct deposit: Routing number, account number, and checking or savings account type.
The form calls for Schedule P (540) to be attached for alternative minimum tax or when claiming more than two credits. It also directs you to check the instructions to find out whether to attach a complete copy of your federal return.
How to file
Complete the return and sign it on Side 6. For a joint return, both spouses/RDPs must sign.
If you owe an amount, mail to:
FRANCHISE TAX BOARD
PO BOX 942867
SACRAMENTO CA 94267-0001
For a refund or no amount due, mail to:
FRANCHISE TAX BOARD
PO BOX 942840
SACRAMENTO CA 94240-0001
Enclose any payment, but do not staple it. Do not send cash. For information about paying online, the form directs you to ftb.ca.gov/pay.
Common mistakes
- Leaving use tax blank: Line 91 says not to leave it blank. If it is zero, check the applicable box for no use tax owed or use tax paid directly to CDTFA.
- Counting yourself or your spouse/RDP as a dependent: Line 10 specifically says not to include either of you.
- Skipping the deduction warning: At line 18, married/RDP filing separately taxpayers and anyone with line 6 checked are told to stop and see the instructions.
- Entering incorrect direct deposit details: Verify routing and account numbers. Use whole dollars only, and do not attach a voided check or deposit slip.
- Missing a joint-return signature: Both spouses/RDPs must sign. The form warns that forging a spouse’s/RDP’s signature is unlawful.
Questions people ask
Can I split my refund between two bank accounts?
Yes. The form allows direct deposit into one or two checking or savings accounts.
Can I apply an overpayment to next year’s estimated tax?
Yes. On the 2024 return, line 98 lets you enter the amount of your line 97 overpayment that you want applied to your 2025 estimated tax.
How do I mark an amended return?
Check the box labeled “AMENDED return” on Side 1.
Does Medicare count as qualifying health care coverage?
The form states that Medicare Part A or C is qualifying health care coverage. If you and your household had full-year coverage, check the box on line 92. If you do not check it, the form directs you to the instructions.