California state tax with Turbotax Deluxe - need to make electronic payments based on a prior year?

Electronic payments are required for California if you either:

• Make an estimated tax or extension payment over $20,000
• File an original return with a tax liability over $80,000

Fiduciaries, estates, and trusts are not required to make electronic payments.

The first payment that would trigger the mandatory e-payment requirement doesn't have to be made electronically. This applies to all subsequent payments after either of these thresholds are met, regardless of tax type or taxable year.

Taxpayers who are required to pay electronically may request a waiver of the mandatory e-pay requirement if one or more of the following exceptions apply: 

• You have not made an estimated tax or extension payment in excess of $20,000 for the previous tax year and your tax liability did not exceed $80,000 for the previous tax year. 
• Your previous tax liability or the amounts you previously paid, causing you to meet the mandatory e-pay requirement, are not representative of your future payments or tax liability.
•  You are requesting a permanent waiver due to a physical or mental impairment. If you have a permanent physical or mental impairment that prevents you from using a computer, include the Physician Affidavit of Permanent Physical or Mental Impairment. The affidavit must be completed, signed, and included with your waiver request.

The penalty is 1% of the amount not electronically paid.

The California Franchise Tax Board webpage has a link to access the waiver request form and has several options for electronic payments:

• Bank account (Web Pay)
• Request an electronic funds withdrawal (EFW) on your e-file return
• Pay by credit card
• Visit our Pay-by-phone option for individuals page for details on paying by phone.