Common questions about California extensions in Lacerte

In this article, you'll find frequently asked questions about California extensions in Lacerte.

Table of contents:

Understanding Lacerte diagnostics ref. 47233, 47294, 47293, 47312, 47241, and 47605

These diagnostics appear when required information for California electronic payments is missing or invalid in your Lacerte file. They are triggered during electronic filing of extensions or balance-due payments.

To resolve this diagnostic:

1. Go to Screen 3, Miscellaneous Info / Direct Deposit.
2. Verify that the Electronic payment option is checked.
3. Confirm the correct bank routing and account numbers.
4. Make sure Form 3519 or the CA e-file extension box is selected under Screen 9, Extensions.

These diagnostics will clear once all required payment fields are complete and the extension is recalculated.

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Submitting electronic extension payments for CA Form 3519

Use Form 3519, Payment for Automatic Extension for Individuals, when a taxpayer expects to owe additional California income tax.

Steps to submit an electronic payment:

1. Open Screen 9, Extensions.
2. Select CA - Electronic payment with Form 3519.
3. In the payment section, enter:
   • Bank name
   • Routing number
   • Account number
   • Payment amount
4. Verify bank account type (checking or savings) and ensure “E-file” is selected.
5. Lacerte will transmit the extension and the payment simultaneously during the e-file process.

If no payment is due, leave the amount field blank—this will file an informational extension only.

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How to resolve Lacerte Diagnostic Ref. 10912 and 7134 – CA extension or estimate in excess of $20,000 must remit through EFT

These diagnostics are generated when California requires electronic funds transfer (EFT) instead of check or paper remittance. EFT is required when:

• Any single estimated or extension payment exceeds $20,000, or
• The total tax liability for the year exceeds $80,000.

To clear the diagnostic:

1. Go to Screen 9, Extensions or Screen 11, Estimates.
2. Locate the CA payment method section.
3. Check the box labeled "Taxpayer required to make EFT payments".
4. Resubmit the return or extension.

Once EFT is selected, the payment will transmit electronically through California’s electronic payment system.

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State extension and due date information for individual returns

California grants an automatic six-month extension to file individual income tax returns. However, any tax due must be paid by the original due date (typically April 15) to avoid interest or penalties.

• Form 3519 is only required when the taxpayer owes additional tax.
• No form is needed if no payment is due or if a refund is expected.
• Electronic filing of Form 3519 is available directly through Lacerte.
• Payments can also be made via the FTB Web Pay portal if not e-filing the extension.

For other states, Lacerte supports separate extension forms and e-file procedures under Screen 9, State Extensions. Review each state’s form instructions for filing and payment deadlines.

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Related links

• Understanding Lacerte diagnostics ref. 47233, ref. 47294, ref. 47293, ref. 47312, ref. 47241, and ref. 47605
• Submitting electronic extension payments for CA Form 3519 in Lacerte
• How to resolve Lacerte Diagnostic Ref 10912 and 7134 – CA extension or estimate in excess of $20,000 must remit through EFT
• State extension and due date information for individual returns