The California Form 100-ES is a tax payment voucher issued by the California Franchise Tax Board. It applies to California corporations that owe franchise or income tax for the current tax year. Corporations use this form to submit quarterly estimated tax installment payments throughout the year.
Corporations must file Form 100-ES when the expected total tax liability exceeds $500 for the year. Calendar-year corporations make installment payments on April 15, June 15, September 15, and December 15. Fiscal-year corporations adjust these dates based on their tax year schedule.
Each installment covers 25% of the total estimated tax for the year. The form includes separate payment vouchers for each of the four required installments. Use the voucher that matches the installment period you are paying.
When completing the 100-ES form, you will need the following information:
California imposes an underpayment penalty under Revenue and Taxation Code Section 19142 for corporations that fail to pay sufficient estimated tax. The FTB calculates the penalty based on the underpaid amount for each installment period.
To avoid the penalty, corporations should pay at least 100% of the prior year's tax or 90% of the current year's tax. Electronic payment may be required for corporations with annual payments exceeding a specified threshold set by the FTB.
Does an S corporation use Form 100-ES?
No. S corporations in California use Form 100-S ES for estimated tax payments. The 100-ES applies to C corporations and other standard corporations subject to the California franchise or income tax.
What if I overpay my estimated tax?
If you overpay, the excess amount is applied to the next installment period or refunded when you file your annual California corporation tax return (Form 100). You can also request a refund after filing.
Can I pay Form 100-ES electronically?
Yes. The California FTB accepts estimated tax payments through its Web Pay for Business service. Corporations with large annual payment amounts may be required to pay electronically under California law.
What is QSub tax on Form 100-ES?
QSub stands for Qualified Subchapter S Subsidiary. If your corporation is an S corporation with a QSub, an additional annual QSub tax applies. This amount is entered separately on the 100-ES payment voucher alongside the estimated tax amount.
For related California corporate forms, see our California Sales Tax Certificate and Corporation Bank Account Opening Form.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Form Name | California Form 100-ES |
| Form Length | 2 pages |
| Fillable? | Yes |
| Fillable fields | 14 |
| Avg. time to fill out | 5 min |
| Other names | CA 100-ES, Corporation Estimated Tax, FTB 100-ES |
