California Estimated Tax Payment Due April 15: What Business Owners Need to Know

If you’re a California business owner or self-employed professional, a key tax deadline is fast approaching. The Franchise Tax Board (FTB) requires first-quarter estimated tax payments to be submitted by April 15, 2025.

Understanding your California estimated tax obligations is critical to staying in good standing, avoiding penalties, and ensuring smooth year-end filings. Here’s what you need to know and how Bizora can help you stay compliant.

Who Needs to Pay Estimated Taxes in California?

If you expect to owe at least $500 ($250 for married/RDP filing separately) in state income tax for 2025, and your income is not subject to withholding, you're generally required to make quarterly estimated tax payments to the FTB. This includes:

• Sole proprietors

• LLC members

• Independent contractors

• S corporation shareholders

• C corporations

  
  

When Are California Estimated Tax Payments Due?

The California estimated tax schedule for 2025 is:

• April 15, 2025 – 1st quarter

• June 15, 2025 – 2nd quarter

• September 15, 2025 – 3rd quarter

• January 15, 2026 – 4th quarter (final installment for 2025)

  
  

Timely payments help prevent underpayment penalties, which are automatically calculated by the FTB if you fall short.

How to Pay California Estimated Taxes Online

The fastest and most secure way to make your payment is through the Franchise Tax Board’s Web Pay system, available at ftb.ca.gov. You’ll need:

• Your entity type and account number (FTB ID or Secretary of State number)

• Payment details and filing year

• Form 100-ES for corporations or Form 540-ES for individuals

Pro Tip: Automate Reminders with Bizora

Staying on top of quarterly tax payments is easy to overlook—especially for busy founders and freelancers. At Bizora, we help clients track state tax compliance, manage reminders, and navigate registration tools with ease. Let us help you avoid late-payment penalties and streamline your filings.

Get Help With Your California Tax Compliance

Bizora offers step-by-step guidance to help businesses register with the FTB, obtain Secretary of State numbers, and maintain good standing. If you’re unsure about how much to pay or how to file, get in touch with us today.

Visit Bizora for more tools, checklists, and compliance support tailored to California businesses.