Withholding on Payments to California Nonresidents
If you make payments to California nonresidents, read these guidelines to find out about tax withholding requirements.
California Nonresident Withholding
Non-wage payments to nonresidents of California are subject to 7% state income tax withholding if the total payments during a calendar year exceed $1,500.California nonresidents include:
- Individuals who are not residents of California.
- Business entities such as corporations, partnerships or LLCs that are either not registered with the California Secretary of State to do business in California or have no permanent place of business in California.
Payments subject to withholding include:
- Payments to nonresident independent contractors or consultants who provide services in California.
- Other non-wage payments of California source income to nonresidents such as leases, rents, royalties, winnings and payouts.
Reporting Requirements
The amount of income withheld on and the tax is reported to each payee on Form 592-B, Resident and Nonresident Withholding Statement. Form 592-B must be issued to each payee by January 31 following the close of the calendar year.Exemption From Withholding
The withholding requirements do not apply to:
- Individuals or business entities who are residents of California.
- Tax-exempt entities.
Form 590, Withholding Exemption Certificate should be completed by the payee to certify exemption.
Waived or Reduced Withholding
Some payees may obtain approval from the Franchise Tax Board (FTB) for a withholding waiver (PDF) or a reduced rate of withholding. Payees should start the process of applying for a waiver or a reduction well in advance of providing a service.
If a waiver has been approved, there is no withholding on the payment. If a reduced rate has been approved, then the amount of tax indicated on the approval letter should be withheld.
Contact Disbursements (see below) for further instructions once a letter is obtained. Disbursements must have a copy of the letter at the time of payment in order to honor the waiver or reduction.