How to file a California sales tax return
by December 1, 2025
Filing your quarterly California sales tax returns can be challenging, which is why we created TaxJar. TaxJar’s state reports simplify the process of filing a return and can save you hours spent on managing sales tax. We wrote this post as a step-by-step guide for using TaxJar’s report to fill in the info you need to file your California sales tax return.
If you’d rather not spend time filing a sales tax return ever again, enroll in TaxJar AutoFile and let us handle it. Never worry about missing a due dates or remember your state login and password again! Learn how TaxJar AutoFile can solve your sales tax headaches.
Here is the updated blog on how to file a quarterly sales tax return in California.
What you’ll need
- Your TaxJar Sales Tax Report
- Your California User ID and Password
- Your California sales and use tax account number
- Your state-assigned filing frequency
- Your California limited access login code
Steps to manually filing a sales tax return in California
- Open your TaxJar Report for California
- Select the Record Filing button at the top of your report
- Use the links on the top right to locate the state’s filing website or download a paper form
- Copy the information from your TaxJar California Report into the state’s website. View detailed instructions on using TaxJar Reports to file a return including a note on how to file when Marketplace Facilitator Tax collected
- Login to the California sales tax website. Login to the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration website in a separate tab.
- Under the Accounts tab, click Sales and Use Tax. This will take you to your available filings. Choose the correct period and click “File Return”
- Answer questions – The new system has questions that will vary by business. Select the correct answer for your business, and then click “Next” to proceed.
- Enter your Gross Sales – Use the “Gross Sales” amount from your California state TaxJar report.
- Enter your Deductions or Expected Adjustments. This number is generally freight (i.e. shipping charges.) On your California sales tax filing page, this will be on your “Deductions” tab. Choose “Shipping” from the drop down menu, and enter the amount of “Expected Adjustments” on your TaxJar California state report in the box.
- Choose the “Deductions” button:
- Record your filing & payment with TaxJar for organized sales tax records and easy-access at a later date
State resources to help you file your return
California knows that filing a sales tax return can be hard, so they provide resources to business owners to help teach you how to file. We’ve done the work for you and compiled a list of helpful links, videos and resources to make filing your first sales tax return easier.
California state information:
- California website
- California state guide
- California State Sales Tax Phone number: 800-400-7115
Need more help?
We get it. Sometimes it just helps to talk to someone. At TaxJar we provide general education, but we’re not CPAs. As much as we’d like to help, we aren’t able to give specific recommendations or advice for your business. We recommend reaching out to a vetted sales tax expert for advise specific to your business.
Never want to do that again? We don’t blame you. Sign up for TaxJar AutoFile and have us file and pay your California sales tax returns for you. Learn more about TaxJar AutoFile and how TaxJar works here.
