FTB Restitution Collections

Temporary Suspension in Referrals to the Franchise Tax Board for Restitution Collections

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s (CDCR) Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services (OVSRS) has temporarily suspended the process of referring collection of victim restitution orders through the Franchise Tax Board (FTB). Changes in the law have required changes to processes and databases that are ongoing. This suspension is further necessary to review and refer cases and ensure they are in compliance with recent changes in the law.

Who is affected:

• Victims: Only those owed restitution from a formerly incarcerated person whose debt is subject to collection by the FTB.
• Formerly incarcerated people: Only those whose victim restitution orders are subject to collection by the FTB.

Who is not affected:

• Victims owed restitution by a currently incarcerated person.
• Currently incarcerated people who owe restitution.

What’s happening:

• All restitution cases with FTB are being returned to CDCR for review.
• CDCR is temporarily suspending referral of new victim restitution cases to the FTB.
• Once the database changes are complete, cases will be referred to FTB for collection.
• During this suspension, victims in the affected group may temporarily stop receiving payments, if they were getting them.  However, victims can still collect from the restitution order on their own, as allowed under the law.  Please see below for more information.
• Victims may continue to receive voluntary payments that are made directly to CDCR by the formerly incarcerated person.

How will this impact your restitution order:

• The suspension does not forgive or cancel restitution debt — it remains owed to you until fully paid.
• If the judge ordered interest on any unpaid restitution, that interest will continue to accrue during this time.

What you can expect next:

• CDCR will prioritize these reviews and will provide updates when a timeline becomes available.
• Attempts to refer orders of formerly incarcerated persons for restitution order enforcement with FTB will resume However, please note that CDCR’s referral does not mean to imply that CDCR will be able to make the formally incarcerated person pay their restitution.
• Victims can contact OVSRS to confirm or update their contact information to ensure uninterrupted payment, if applicable, when collections resume.
• Formerly incarcerated persons are encouraged to and can continue making voluntary payments directly to CDCR by mail or approved electronic payment vendors (JPay, Access Corrections, GTL/ConnectNetwork).

What do you need to do:

• Victims: If you want to wait and have FTB attempt collection, then no action is required. If you need to update your contact information, you may call OVSRS at 1-877-256-6877 or email CDCRRestitution@cdcr.ca.gov.  However, if you prefer to learn more about how you can exercise your right to collect the restitution from the formerly incarcerated person directly, you can contact:
  • The California Victims Resource Center at McGeorge School of Law at 1-800-VICTIMS (842-8467) or 1800victims@pacific.edu
  • Your local county law library for guidance

• Formerly incarcerated people: You may continue payments using cashier’s checks, money orders, personal checks, or the approved electronic payment vendors listed above.