California Form 3588 – Fill Out and Use This PDF

California Form 3588 PDF Details

The California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) requires Limited Liability Companies that file their income tax returns electronically to submit Form 3588 as the payment voucher when a balance is due. This form does not replace the tax return. It is a payment coupon submitted alongside a check or money order payable to the Franchise Tax Board.

Who Must File Form 3588

Three conditions must all apply for an LLC to use this form:

• The LLC filed its California income tax return electronically (e-file) for the current tax year.
• There is a balance due to the Franchise Tax Board after filing.
• The LLC is paying by check or money order, not through an online payment system.

LLCs that pay online through the FTB website or through tax software do not need to mail this voucher separately.

California Form 3588 vs Form 3522

A common question for LLC owners concerns the difference between Form 3588 and California Form 3522. These forms serve different purposes. Form 3522 is the LLC Tax Voucher used to pay the annual $800 minimum franchise tax every year. Form 3588 applies when an LLC owes additional income tax on its electronically filed return. California LLCs may need to file both forms in the same tax year if both amounts are owed.

Penalties for Late Payment

Failing to pay the balance due by the required due date results in a late payment penalty. Interest also accrues on any unpaid balance from the original due date until the FTB receives full payment. The FTB calculates interest daily at rates set by California law. Always make the check or money order payable to the "Franchise Tax Board" using U.S. dollars drawn on a U.S. financial institution.

How to Complete the Form

The form arrives preprinted with your LLC's information from its electronic filing. Before mailing, verify that all preprinted details match your printed copy of Form 568 (Limited Liability Company Return of Income) and the digital return submitted to the FTB. Round the payment amount to the nearest whole dollar. Write your LLC's Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) on the check for reference. If your business address includes a Private Mail Box (PMB), include the PMB number in the address field.