California tax 411: filing, collection and website changes.

• Author: Woodford, John
• Position: Website overview

The CalCPA Committee on Taxation's recent liaison meeting with the FTB was the first, in many years. that I did not chair. I would like to thank CalCPA and FTB leaders and staff. for their efforts in making this event a benchmark that other tax agency liaison meetings should aspire to, I have left the future leadership of this important event in the hands of Bob Rcyno1ds, of Moss Adams in Sacramento. and look forward to many more years of outstanding meetings.

New Website

During the morning session the FTB presented its new website, which is designed to be more user friendly and make tile most frequently used resources more easily accessible. The Google search capabilities have been enhanced, and die FTB has included a feedback button as it wants users to comment on their experience using the website. It's intended that the website will be under continuous change as suggestions for improvements are received.

Enterprise Data Revenue Project

Next the agenda was an update on the Enterprise Data to Revenue Project (EDR), which is in its second year of a projected five-year implementation period.

The EDR is entering its first implementation phase, which includes a new automated return processing system for taster and more complete scanning of returns and electronic imaging; and deposits for paper checks.

The next three phases of this project will include establishing an enterprise data Warehouse for storing' and disseminating the information collected by the FTB: a secure online taxpayer folder for instant access to taxpayer account information by taxpayers, their representatives and the FIB: and modernized legacy systems that will allow for efficient communication between the first three components of the project. The FTB is projecting that the taxpayer folder will be operative mid-2014. and that it will implement new functionalities about every six months.

Much of the benefit to taxpayers and practitioners lies in the taxpayer folders. Once implemented, users will be able to view tax return data: check on processing status; make and view payments: access, update and send correspondence; and view bills and notices.

With the implementation of EDR, and changes to the website, the FTB is hoping to provide 24/7 access to taxpayer information and self-service options, and make communication between taxpayers, taxpayer representatives and the 1.-1.8 more efficient and cost effective.

Super Powers?

The FTB announced that it was exploring the issuance...