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The CA DE35 form is an important document for California employees regarding income tax withholding. Employers are mandated to submit a copy of an employee’s Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate, either the federal Form W-4 or the state Form DE 4, to the Franchise Tax Board (FTB) under certain circumstances. These circumstances include situations where an employee claims more than ten withholding allowances or claims exemption from state and federal income tax withholding while earning expected weekly wages over $200. Until the FTB provides written notification specifying the correct marital status and number of allowances for California Personal Income Tax (PIT) withholding, employers must adhere to the initial withholding amounts as set by these forms. If there is a disagreement with the FTB determination, employees have the right to request a review by submitting a written request to the W-4 Unit at the FTB. However, employees bear the responsibility to prove that the FTB's decision is incorrect. It's crucial to note that until any modifications are formally communicated by the FTB, employers are required to continue withholding based on the original determination. Additionally, a penalty may apply if the FTB finds that the number of withholding allowances claimed is unjustifiable, underscoring the significance of accuracy in reporting exemptions and allowances.

Ca De35 Example

NOTICE TO EMPLOYEES

Your employer must send a copy of your Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate

(Form W-4 [federal] or DE 4 [state]) to the Franchise Tax Board (FTB) if the form meets either of the following two conditions:

You claim more than 10 withholding allowances.

You claim to be exempt from state or federal income tax withholding and your employer expects your usual weekly wages to exceed $200.

Your employer will continue to treat the Form W-4 and/or DE 4 as valid until notified, in writing, by the FTB of the proper marital status and number of allowances to use for California Personal Income Tax (PIT) withholding purposes.

If you disagree with the FTB determination, you may request a review of the determination by writing to:

W-4 Unit

Franchise Tax Board MS F180

P.O. Box 2952

Sacramento, CA 95812-2952

Fax: 916-843-1094

You, as the employee, will have to provide proof that the FTB determination is incorrect for California PIT withholding purposes. Your employer must continue to withhold as instructed in the original determination until notified by the FTB, in writing, of any changes.

If the FTB finds that the number of withholding allowances you claimed is unreasonable, you may be subject to a $500 penalty as provided by Section 13101 of the California Unemployment Insurance Code.

- Versión en español en la página 2 -

DE 35 Rev. 14 (5-13) (INTERNET)

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AVISO A EMPLEADOS

Su empleador debe de enviar una copia del certificado del empleado que autoriza la retención de impuestos conocido comúnmente en inglés como, Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate (Formularios W-4 [federal] ó DE 4 [estatal]) al Franchise Tax Board (la oficina de recaudación de impuestos estatales), si el formulario cumple con cualquiera de las dos condiciones siguientes:

Usted reclama más de 10 exenciones de retención en los cuales se basa la retención de impuestos.

Usted sostiene estar exento de retención de impuestos federales y estatales y su empleador espera que usted gane su salario normal semanal de más de $200.

Su empleador continuará considerando el Formulario W-4 y/o el formulario DE 4 como válido hasta que sea notificado por el Franchise Tax Board, por escrito, del estado civil apropiado y el número de exenciones que se pueden usar para el propósito de retención del Impuesto de Ingreso Personal (PIT, por sus siglas en inglés) en California.

Si usted no está de acuerdo con la determinación del Franchise Tax Board, usted puede pedir que se revise la determinación escribiendo al:

W-4 Unit

Franchise Tax Board MS F180

P.O. Box 2952

Sacramento, CA 95812-2952

Fax: 916-843-1094

Usted, como empleado, tendrá que proporcionar las pruebas de que la determinación del Franchise Tax Board es incorrecta para el propósito de retención del Impuesto de Ingreso Personal en California. Su empleador continuará la retención como fue indicado en la determinación original hasta que sea notificado por el Franchise Tax Board, por escrito, de cualquier cambio.

Si el Franchise Tax Board decide que el número de exenciones que usted reclama es irrazonable, se le podrá imponer una multa de $500 conforme la Sección 13101 del Código del Seguro de Desempleo de California.

- English version on page 1 -

DE 35 Rev. 14 (5-13) (INTERNET)

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File Breakdown

Fact Name Fact Description
Employer Responsibility Your employer must send a copy of your Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate (Form W-4 or DE 4) to the Franchise Tax Board (FTB) if you claim more than 10 withholding allowances or if you claim to be exempt from income tax withholding, and your usual weekly wages are expected to exceed $200.
Valid Until Notification The FTB will consider the Form W-4 and/or DE 4 valid until they send written notification to your employer, indicating the correct marital status and number of allowances for California Personal Income Tax (PIT) withholding.
Disagreement Process If you disagree with the FTB's determination on your withholding allowances, you can request a review by writing to the W-4 Unit at the Franchise Tax Board.
Proof of Error As the employee, you will need to provide proof that the FTB's determination is incorrect for California PIT withholding purposes.
Penalty for Unreasonable Claims If the FTB finds your claimed number of withholding allowances to be unreasonable, you may face a $500 penalty according to Section 13101 of the California Unemployment Insurance Code.
Spanish Version Availability A Spanish version of the DE 35 form is accessible and provides the same information and guidelines regarding withholding allowances.

Guide to Using Ca De35

When preparing to fill out the CA DE35 form, ensure that you have all necessary information on hand. This will facilitate a smoother process as you complete the various sections of the form. Follow these steps carefully to ensure accuracy.

  1. Obtain a copy of the CA DE35 form. It is available online or through your employer.
  2. Enter your personal information in the designated sections. This includes your name, address, and Social Security number.
  3. Indicate your filing status, such as single, married, or head of household, according to your situation.
  4. List the number of withholding allowances you are claiming. Carefully review your eligibility to ensure accuracy.
  5. If applicable, specify whether you are claiming exemption from withholding. Ensure that your usual weekly wages are projected to exceed $200 if claiming exemption.
  6. Provide any additional information required by the form. This might include details relevant to your specific tax situation.
  7. Review the completed form thoroughly for any errors or omissions. Accuracy is critical to avoid potential penalties.
  8. Submit the CA DE35 form to your employer. Make sure to keep a copy for your records.

After submitting the form, your employer will process the withholding allowances as indicated. If any discrepancies arise or if the Franchise Tax Board requires further action, be prepared to address these promptly to ensure compliance with state tax regulations.

Get Answers on Ca De35

  1. What is the purpose of the Ca DE35 form?

    The Ca DE35 form is a notification to employees regarding their withholding allowances. It's used primarily to inform you about your employer's responsibilities when you submit your Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate, such as Form W-4 (federal) or DE 4 (state). It ensures compliance with tax withholding requirements set by the Franchise Tax Board (FTB).

  2. Under what conditions does my employer need to send a copy of my withholding certificate to the FTB?

    Your employer must send a copy of your withholding certificate to the FTB if:

    • You claim more than 10 withholding allowances.
    • You claim to be exempt from state or federal income tax withholding and your expected weekly wages exceed $200.
  3. How long does my employer consider my withholding certificate valid?

    Your employer will treat your Form W-4 or DE 4 as valid until they receive a written notification from the FTB. This notification will clarify your marital status and the correct number of allowances to use for California Personal Income Tax withholding.

  4. What should I do if I disagree with the FTB's determination?

    If you disagree with the FTB's decision regarding your withholding allowances, you can request a review by writing to the W-4 Unit at the FTB. Be prepared to provide proof that their determination is incorrect for California PIT withholding purposes.

  5. What happens while I'm waiting for the FTB's review?

  6. What penalty could I face for claiming unreasonable withholding allowances?

    If the FTB determines that the number of withholding allowances you claimed is unreasonable, you could be subject to a $500 penalty. This penalty is outlined in Section 13101 of the California Unemployment Insurance Code.

  7. Is there a Spanish version of the Ca DE35 form?

    Yes, a Spanish version of the Ca DE35 form is available. It is typically found on page 2 of the document, providing important information for Spanish-speaking individuals regarding their withholding responsibilities.

Common mistakes

Filling out the California DE 35 form can seem straightforward, but several common mistakes can lead to significant issues. One major error is failing to indicate the correct number of withholding allowances. Many individuals are unaware that claiming more than ten allowances requires special attention, which might prompt additional scrutiny from the Franchise Tax Board (FTB). It's crucial to be honest and accurate in this section to avoid penalties.

Another frequent mistake is not notifying the employer promptly if there are changes in marital status or the number of allowances. Employees often underestimate the importance of keeping these records current. If employers rely on outdated information without receiving any updated instructions, they may withhold taxes incorrectly, leading to potential liabilities down the line.

Also, some employees mistakenly believe they can claim to be exempt from withholding simply by indicating so on the form. The FTB has specific criteria that must be met to qualify for an exemption. Failing to understand these requirements can result in improper withholding as well as potential penalties. Thus, ensuring eligibility before claiming an exemption is key.

A common oversight involves not providing the necessary documentation to support a claim against an FTB determination. If the FTB questions the number of claimed allowances, the burden of proof rests on the employee. Many overlook this obligation, resulting in unanticipated challenges and further complications.

Additionally, employees sometimes neglect to keep a copy of the submitted form for their records. This can create difficulties if future disputes arise or if there’s a need to reference the original submission. Documentation is essential in addressing any discrepancies that may occur later.

Similarly, many individuals miss the deadline for submitting the form to their employer. Procrastination can lead to issues with withholding, impacting tax returns and overall compliance. Staying on top of deadlines is vital for maintaining accurate tax records.

Failing to review the completed form for errors before submission is another pitfall. Simple mistakes in personal information, such as social security numbers or names, can delay processing and result in incorrect withholding. Taking the time to double-check entries can prevent unnecessary complications.

Not understanding the implications of the penalties related to unreasonable withholding claims is another common oversight. The potential for a $500 penalty for claiming too many allowances can surprise employees who were not aware of this consequence. Being informed about the regulations can help avoid unintentional infractions.

Lastly, not consulting with a tax advisor when in doubt about how to complete the form can lead to mistakes. While the form may seem simple, tax implications can be complex. Seeking professional guidance can provide clarity and ensure compliance, ultimately saving time and money.

Documents used along the form

When dealing with tax withholding matters in California, several forms can accompany the CA DE35 form to ensure proper compliance and reporting. Below are four important forms that may often be used together.

  • Form W-4: This is the federal version of the Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate. Employees use it to determine the amount of federal income tax withholding from their paychecks based on the number of allowances they claim.
  • Form DE 4: This is the California state equivalent to the W-4. It allows employees to claim withholding allowances specific to California state tax, and influences how much state income tax is deducted from their wages.
  • Form 1099: This form is used to report various types of income received during the year that are not from traditional employment. It is important for tax purposes and helps the IRS track income that may not have had taxes withheld.
  • Form 1040: This is the individual income tax return form used by U.S. taxpayers. It is essential for reporting total income, calculating tax owed, and claiming any refunds when filing annual taxes.

Completing these forms correctly is crucial for maintaining proper tax withholding and compliance with state and federal regulations. Be sure to keep copies for your records.

Similar forms

The CA DE35 form shares similarities with several other tax and withholding documents. Here are ten forms that are comparable, which highlight the key similarities:

  • Form W-4: Used for federal tax withholding, it allows employees to claim allowances that affect how much tax is withheld from their paychecks.
  • Form DE 4: This is California's version for state withholding purposes. It serves the same function as the W-4 but focuses on state income tax.
  • Form 1099: This form reports income other than wages and helps ensure that individuals report all taxable income received, similar to how withholding impacts overall tax liability.
  • Form I-9: While it verifies employment eligibility, it also provides data that can affect tax calculations for employees based on their work status.
  • Wage and Tax Statement (Form W-2): Issued at year-end, it summarizes wages and withholdings, informing employees of their tax situation, similar to the role of the DE35.
  • Form 1040: This is the individual income tax return form. It ultimately incorporates all withholding and allowances claimed during the year.
  • Form 1040-SR: Designed for seniors, it provides the same functionality as the Form 1040, including the reflection of withholding allowances.
  • Employee Retention Credit (ERC) Application: This form deals with tax credits for retaining employees, impacting overall tax liabilities similar to withholding allowances.
  • State Tax Exemption Certificate: This state-level document allows employees to claim exemption from withholding taxes, akin to the conditions outlined in the DE35.
  • Form 941: This quarterly form reports income taxes, Social Security tax, and Medicare tax withheld from employee's paychecks, relevant to overall tax withholdings.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the California DE 35 form, follow these guidelines to ensure your submission is accurate and appropriate.

  • Do ensure accuracy: Double-check all information before submission to avoid mistakes.
  • Do read instructions carefully: Familiarize yourself with the requirements to submit a valid form.
  • Do communicate with your employer: Keep your employer informed if you disagree with the Franchise Tax Board (FTB) determination.
  • Don’t claim excess allowances: Avoid claiming more than 10 withholding allowances unless absolutely justified.
  • Don’t ignore notifications: Respond promptly to any communications from the FTB to prevent penalties.

Adhering to these guidelines will help ensure a smooth process as you complete the DE 35 form.

Misconceptions

Misconceptions about the Ca De35 Form

  • Claiming More than 10 Allowances is Always Acceptable. Many believe they can freely claim more than 10 allowances. However, if you do this, your employer must report it to the Franchise Tax Board.
  • Exemption from Tax Withholding is Automatic. Some think that claiming exemption from withholding is automatically accepted. In reality, certain criteria must be met, including expected weekly earnings exceeding $200.
  • Employers Can Ignore FTB Instructions. A common misconception is that employers can disregard guidance from the Franchise Tax Board. Employers are obligated to follow any written instructions regarding withholding allowances.
  • FTB Decisions are Final Without Review. It is often assumed that FTB's determinations cannot be challenged. Employees have the right to request a review if they disagree with the FTB's assessment.
  • No Penalties for Incorrect Allowances. Many individuals think that there are no repercussions for claiming excessive allowances. In fact, a penalty of up to $500 may apply if the FTB finds claimed allowances unreasonable.
  • W-4 Forms Can Be Used Indefinitely. It is a misconception that once a W-4 form is submitted, it remains valid indefinitely. Employers must keep this form valid until notified otherwise by the FTB.
  • Proof is Not Required for Disputing FTB Decisions. Some employees believe they do not need to provide proof to dispute an FTB determination. However, employees must show evidence that the FTB's conclusion is incorrect for their situation.

Key takeaways

Understanding the CA DE35 form is essential for both employees and employers in California. Here are some key takeaways that can help you navigate the process smoothly:

  • Submission Requirement: Employers must submit the Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate (Form W-4 or DE 4) to the Franchise Tax Board only if certain conditions are met. Specifically, this includes situations where an employee claims more than 10 allowances or declares an exemption from income tax withholding with expected weekly wages above $200.
  • Continuous Validity: Once the employer submits the form, they will continue to treat it as valid until they receive written notification from the Franchise Tax Board regarding any changes in marital status or number of allowances.
  • Disputing Determinations: If an employee disagrees with a determination made by the Franchise Tax Board, they have the right to request a review. This can be done by sending a written request to the specified address.
  • Proof of Incorrectness: Employees must provide evidence that the Franchise Tax Board’s determination is incorrect, as employers will follow the original withholding instructions until notified otherwise.
  • Potential Penalty: Claiming an unreasonable number of allowances can lead to a $500 penalty. This is outlined in Section 13101 of the California Unemployment Insurance Code.

Being informed about these aspects will aid in seamless compliance with California's tax withholding requirements.