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Level 1
March 29, 2026
Question

How do I set the California estimated tax payments to come out automatically on each of the three due dates?

  • March 29, 2026
  • 2 replies
  • 9 views
I don't want to have to remember to come back into the clients file each due date to make the payment. Can it be done once with the return filing?

2 replies

George4Tacks
Level 15
March 29, 2026

Yes, it can. The set up is for 4 days, but you can use just 3. I work with someone that feels making  4 equal payments at the same time as the federal is easier for the client to handle. So for no kick back from FTB. 

Answers are easy. Questions are hard!
abctax55
Level 15
March 29, 2026

(Hi @George4Tacks 🙂

But wouldn't that mean only 50%  is paid in by June 15th vs the 70% required by CA?  And resulting in potential penalties?   

I've heard CA may switch back and sure to hope so; explaining this (three not four...) to clients is a pain.

HumanKind... Be Both
George4Tacks
Level 15
March 29, 2026

@abctax55 According to the office that does this - it makes the client more comfy - FTB has not yet complained, since they get overpaid with the next payment. I guess CA is not as nit picky as we would think. 

Answers are easy. Questions are hard!
Just-Lisa-Now-
Intuit Community Champion
March 29, 2026

Yes, go to the 540 ES worksheet and you can check the boxes to have them come out exactly the same as federal ES payments.

Alternatively, you can set them up right on the FTB Webpay website and you get confirmation numbers for them.

♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥Lisa♥¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪