ARTICLE 1. Administration [8251. - 8258.4.]

Cal. Revenue and Taxation Code - RTC 1.

in effect

Cal. Revenue and Taxation Code - RTC § 8251. Section 8251.

The board shall enforce the provisions of this part, except in so far as duties and powers are vested in the Controller, and may prescribe, adopt, and enforce rules and regulations relating to the administration and enforcement of this part. The board may prescribe the extent to which any ruling or regulation shall be applied without retroactive effect.

Cal. Revenue and Taxation Code - RTC § 8252. Section 8252.

The board may employ attorneys, accountants, auditors, investigators, and other expert and clerical assistance necessary to enforce its powers and perform its duties under this part.

Cal. Revenue and Taxation Code - RTC § 8253. Section 8253.

The board may make any examinations of the books and records of highway vehicle operators/fuelers, industrial users, pipeline operators, suppliers, train operators, or vessel operators, and any other investigations as it may deem necessary in carrying out the provisions of this part.

Cal. Revenue and Taxation Code - RTC § 8254. Section 8254.

As this State is the source of petroleum products for other States, if such examination or investigation necessitates collaboration or conference with motor vehicle fuel tax officials of other States, at places inside or outside this State, such collaboration or conference is declared to be a necessary function in the administration of this part.

Cal. Revenue and Taxation Code - RTC § 8255. Section 8255.

(a) Upon request from the officials to whom is entrusted the enforcement of the motor fuel tax law of another government the board or the Controller may furnish to such officials such information in the possession of the board or the Controller which is deemed essential to the enforcement of the motor fuel tax laws. Any information so furnished shall not be used for any purpose other than that for which it was furnished. (b) The board may furnish to any state or federal agency investigating violations of or enforcing any state or federal law related to motor fuels any motor fuel information in the possession of the board that is deemed necessary for the enforcement of those laws.

Cal. Revenue and Taxation Code - RTC § 8256. Section 8256.

A certificate by the board or an employee of the board stating that a notice required by this part was given by mailing or personal service shall be prima facie evidence in any administrative or judicial proceeding of the fact and regularity of the mailing or personal service in accordance with any requirement of this part for the giving of a notice. Unless otherwise specifically required, any notice provided by this part to be mailed or served may be given either by mailing or by personal service in the manner provided for giving notice of a deficiency determination.

Cal. Revenue and Taxation Code - RTC § 8257. Section 8257.

(a) Except as otherwise provided by law, any person who is engaged in the business of preparing, or providing services in connection with the preparation of, returns under Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 7651), or any person who for compensation prepares any such return for any other person, and who knowingly or recklessly does either of the following, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) or imprisoned no more than one year, or both, together with the costs of prosecution: (1) Discloses any information furnished to him or her for, or in connection with, the preparation of the return. (2) Uses that information for any purpose other than to prepare, or assist in preparing, the return. (b) Subdivision (a) shall not apply to disclosure of information if that disclosure is made pursuant to the person’s consent or pursuant to a subpoena, court order, or other compulsory legal process.

Cal. Revenue and Taxation Code - RTC § 8258. Section 8258.

(a) The board shall determine which taxpayer’s accounts are eligible for the managed audit program in a manner that is consistent with the efficient use of its auditing resources and the maximum effectiveness of the program. (b) A taxpayer is not required to participate in the managed audit program.

Cal. Revenue and Taxation Code - RTC § 8258.1. Section 8258.1.

A taxpayer’s account is eligible for the managed audit program only if the taxpayer meets all of the following criteria: (a) The taxpayer’s business involves few or no statutory exemptions. (b) The taxpayer’s business involves a single or a small number of clearly defined taxability issues. (c) The taxpayer is taxed pursuant to this part and agrees to participate in the managed audit program. (d) The taxpayer has the resources to comply with the managed audit instructions provided by the board.

Cal. Revenue and Taxation Code - RTC § 8258.2. Section 8258.2.

(a) If the board selects a taxpayer’s account for a managed audit, all of the following apply: (1) The board shall identify all of the following: (A) The audit period covered by the managed audit. (B) The types of transactions covered by the managed audit. (C) The specific procedures that the taxpayer is to follow in determining any liability. (D) The records to be reviewed by the taxpayer. (E) The manner in which the types of transactions are to be scheduled for review. (F) The time period for completion of the managed audit. (G) The time period for the payment of the liability and interest. (H) Any other criteria that the board may require for completion of the managed audit. (2) The taxpayer shall: (A) Examine its books and records to determine if it has any unreported tax liability for the audit period. (B) Make available to the board for verification all computations and books and records examined pursuant to subparagraph (A). (b) The information provided by the taxpayer pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) is the same information that is required for the completion of any other audit that the board may conduct.

Cal. Revenue and Taxation Code - RTC § 8258.3. Section 8258.3.

Nothing in the article limits the board’s authority to examine the books and records of a taxpayer under Section 8253.

Cal. Revenue and Taxation Code - RTC § 8258.4. Section 8258.4.

Upon completion of the managed audit and verification by the board, interest on any unpaid liability shall be computed at one-half the rate that would otherwise be imposed for liabilities covered by the audit period. Payment of the liabilities and interest shall be made within the time period specified by the board. If the requirements for the managed audit are not satisfied, the board may proceed to examine the records of the taxpayer in a manner to be determined by the board under law.

Source: CA Legislative Counsel Bulk DataURL: https://downloads.leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/pubinfo_2025.zipFetched: 6/27/2026