A bill from state Sen. Steve Knight, R-Antelope Valley, regarding transparency and customer service on taxation is awaiting Gov. Jerry Brown’s signature.

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Knight’s bill made it out of the Senate and was then passed in the Assembly last week, near the end of the legislative session.  

SB 582 offers the best resolution for taxpayers who are apprehensive about what they may owe the state, Knight said.

“The tax-paying process in California can be daunting, intimidating and confusing,” Knight said in a statement.

“Streamlining the process will save time and increase voluntary compliance, and is in the best interest of all taxpayers,” he said.

The bill would require the Franchise Tax Board (FTB), Board of Equalization (BOE) and Employment Development Department (EDD) to create a web-based portal.

The portal would allow agencies to have easy access to self-service tools for taxpayers.

George Runner, SB 582 sponsor, BOE Member and former Senator acknowledges the bill’s importance to taxpayers.

“One major challenge is that most business owners must pay taxes to three separate state tax agencies,” said Runner. “Our legislation takes an important and common sense first step toward streamlining this process, increasing voluntary compliance and enhancing the taxpayer experience.”

Knight is currently awaiting a decision.

“We haven’t had any negative feedback,” he said, but there is no clear indication of whether Gov. Brown will pass the bill.

The deadline for the bill to pass is Oct. 13.

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