California Tax Board Revises 540 2EZ Form

California’s Franchise Tax Board said it had revised its 540 2EZ form to allow an estimated 340,000 senior citizens and higher-income filers to use it.

Those over age 65 previously had been precluded from using the form because it did not allow them to claim the $85 Senior Exemption Credit. Those who earned more than $50,000 when single or $100,000 when married also were barred from using the 2EZ. However, this year, the senior exemption credit is included on the form and the income thresholds have been raised to $100,000 for singles and $200,000 for married couples filing jointly.

Meanwhile, the agency discontinued its file-by-phone service, known as TeleFile, amid declining use. State tax officials are encouraging former TeleFile users to file electronically through www.ftb.ca.gov.

-- Kathy M. Kristof