Frequently Asked Questions About Reviving Suspended California Businesses
Our FAQ section provides answers to some of the most common questions that business owners, like yourself, have.
Q: How long will the revivor process take?
A: Each revivor is unique, as several variables apply. But generally they fall into the following processing times:
Bronze: 2-3 Weeks to completion
Silver: 1-2 Weeks to completion
Gold: 2-5 Business Days to completion
Platinum: 1 Business Day to completion
Please Note: These estimates are based on the timely receipt of all outstanding Franchise Tax Board (FTB) forms and fees.
Q: How much will it cost to revive my suspended business?
A: Our service fees are:
Bronze: $500
Silver: $700
Gold: $1,200
Platinum: $2,000
Dedicated Platinum: $3,500
We cannot provide an exact estimate for the amount you might owe to the Franchise Tax Board (FTB) in advance, as there are simply too many variables (we do, however, provide a fairly accurate estimate in our Phone Consultation). In general, there is an annual minimum tax of $800, plus penalties and interest. We know from experience that many additional fees may apply, but we cannot provide an assessment in advance of being contracted to handle the revivor on your behalf, as we will not have access to all of the FTB’s information.
To fully comply with all California State requirements, you may also need to complete some filings with the Secretary of State (SOS). Some of our Package Options include one or two filings at the Secretary of State (SOS). The filing fees are generally nominal, but certain circumstances may require Expedited State Processing, with is subject to a $350 fee.
Q: Why Choose FTB Revivors for Your Business Reinstatement?
A: Experience, location, and real service.
Our staff has handled hundreds of corporate revivors and over 50,000 Secretary of State (SOS) filings. By using our firm, you let our expertise and experience work in your favor. We have repeatedly saved our clients money in excess of the amount of our fees, simply because we know enough to catch and correct errors made by both our clients, and the Franchise Tax Board’s (FTB) representatives.
Being based in Sacramento, we are mere minutes away from the head office of both the FTB and SOS, and we visit both branches daily. This is particularly beneficial to clients based in Los Angeles or the Bay Area. Our service eliminates the need for them to travel or miss time away from their company’s daily operations.
We pride ourselves on providing excellent customer service. Every client call or email is answered personally by our staff in our Sacramento office. No automated replies, phone trees, or spending hours on hold listening to a recording.
Q: What service package options do you offer for reviving my business?
A: We offer a variety of packages to meet varying circumstances and budgets. You can compare them on our Package Options page. One of the options we offer is a 30 minute Phone Consultation (with a $75 service fee). We recommend starting with this option to help you discover what your special case would require. After the Phone Consultation, if you decide to move forward with us as your revivor representative, that fee ($75) is then credited toward the cost of whichever package you choose.
Q: Is the revivor process faster with your service? How do you expedite it?
A: Yes! Using our service significantly speeds up the revivor process.
The revivor process can be incredibly complex, and getting revived generally requires numerous trips to the Franchise Tax Board (FTB). Revivor requests typically take 4-6 weeks when handled directly with the Franchise Tax Board (FTB). However, due to our expertise, direct relationships with FTB representatives, and multiple daily appointments, we can reduce processing times by 1-3 weeks. Our Sacramento location allows us to personally visit the FTB and expedite nearly every revivor case efficiently.
Q: Can you get me revived using a payment plan with the Franchise Tax Board (FTB)?
A: Unfortunately, no. Once an entity is suspended, the FTB requires the total amount due to be paid upfront before an entity can be revived.
Q: Can you help me with my International Revenue Service (IRS) trouble too?
A: No. Currently, we only provide client services to State agencies within California.
Q: What happens if I cancel your services?
A: At our manager’s discretion, you may be eligible for a partial refund of service fees (depending on the work already completed) in the event you choose not to continue in the revivor process. However, no portion of the phone consultation fees are refundable. Any fees paid to the Franchise Tax Board (FTB) or Secretary of State (SOS) are also nonrefundable – this includes the 5% advancement fee if our firm has made payments to the FTB on your behalf.