California Back Taxes from 1991?

Question

I just got a tax bill from State of California for 1991. I left the US in 1991 and have not lived there since or filed in CA since then, ending residency in 1992. And I think it is a mistake because I filed with CA that year and received a refund! This is the first I have ever heard of owing this tax and it is 15 years later. What can they do to me if I refuse to pay this? Is there a limitation to them going after this 15 years later???

Answer 1

If you can prove you filed then they will not be able to collect. If you can't prove you filed then they can collect because if you didn't file there is no statute of limitations running on the 1991 return.
This is the reason you always keep copies of the returns you have filed forever, even if you destroy that back-up records.

Answer 2

Usually you don't hear of anything after 7 years, perhaps this is a mistake. We once had something similar when my husband was in the USAF and under state law CA didn't charge us state tax, then several years later they sent us a notice why didn't you pay? So we called... sent them proof he was in the USAF stationed out of state at the time and all is well. So, what I would do is write or call and question this. I would also try and find my copy of the tax return if you still have them. I have all my tax returns just because I am paranoid! Hopefully you do to. Good luck, but if they insist you owe it I would look into legal counsel to see if they can get this excluded as it is such an old return.