Tax filing simplified for seniors

California’s simplest state income tax form is available for more taxpayers this year, including senior citizens, according to the Franchise Tax Board (FTB).

Certain taxpayers, including seniors who can claim the Senior Exemption Credit, can now use the 540 2EZ and report dividends, pension income and taxable interest as income sources.

“We’re easing the tax-filing burden on seniors by simplifying their returns and saving them the headache of filling out complex forms,” said State Controller and FTB Chair Steve Westly.

Changes made to the 540 2EZ now allow taxpayers with greater income amounts to use the form. The 540 2EZ has gained popularity for its simplicity in reducing the required lines of tax information needed and eliminating several math calculations. It is available to single or head of household taxpayers earning up to $100,000 and married taxpayers earning up to $200,000 who do not itemize deductions and have three or fewer dependents.

An additional 340,000 taxpayers would be eligible to use the 540 2EZ, which can also be filed electronically through FTB’s CalFile service. CalFile is the no-cost, direct-to-government e-fail program. It is available to taxpayers who file 540 2EZ, 540A and, to a limited degree, the 540 long form. CalFile accepts incomes of nearly $280,000, itemized deductions and some tax credits. Many commercial e-file companies offer free e-file services to certain customers.

Find CalFile and all other e-file services, or download tax forms, at http://www.ftb.ca.gov.