INSTRUCTIONS: CALIFORNIA RESIDENT INCOME TAX RETURN (Form 540)

California residents file their state income tax by using a form 540. This document is available on the website of the California Franchise Tax Board, which also provides a booklet of instructions. This article discusses the form for calendar year 2011.

California Resident Income Tax Return 540 Step 1: If you are a fiscal year filer, enter your starting and end dates.

California Resident Income Tax Return 540 Step 2: At the top of the first page, give your name, tax identification or Social Security number and date of birth. If you file jointly, provide the same information for your spouse. Enter your address.

California Resident Income Tax Return 540 Step 3: If your 2010 return was filed with a different last name for you or your spouse, enter this where indicated.

California Resident Income Tax Return 540 Step 4: Indicate your filing status by choosing among lines 1 through 5. Fill in the oval next to the statement which applies to you.

California Resident Income Tax Return 540 Step 5: If you can be claimed as a dependent, fill in the oval on line 6.

California Resident Income Tax Return 540 Step 6: On lines 7 through 11, indicate and total all listed exemptions you are claiming.

California Resident Income Tax Return 540 Step 7: Lines 12 through 19 provide instructions for the computation of your taxable income.

California Resident Income Tax Return 540 Step 8: Lines 31 through 35 provide instructions for the initial calculation of your tax owed.

California Resident Income Tax Return 540 Step 9: Lines 41 through 48 concern special tax credits.

California Resident Income Tax Return 540 Step 10: Lines 61 through 64 concern other applicable taxes.

California Resident Income Tax Return 540 Step 11: Lines 71 through 75 concern payments already made on your tax liability.

California Resident Income Tax Return 540 Step 12: Lines 91 through 94 concern tax due.

California Resident Income Tax Return 540 Step 13: If you owe use tax on products bought and used in the state on which no state sales tax was paid, complete line 95.

California Resident Income Tax Return 540 Step 14: Follow instructions on the third page to determine your final amount due or the refund you are owed.

California Resident Income Tax Return 540 Step 15: Sign and date the third page.