The California Form 3540, known as the Credit Carryover Summary, is a document that taxpayers use to report credits from previous years that can be applied to their current tax return. This form is specifically for credits that no longer have separate forms available. If you believe you have credits to carry over, consider filling out this form by clicking the button below.
The California Form 3540, also known as the Credit Carryover Summary, plays a crucial role in helping taxpayers manage and claim certain tax credits that have been repealed but still allow for carryovers from previous years. This form is essential for individuals and corporations who want to ensure they maximize their available tax benefits. Specifically, it provides a structured way to report various repealed credits, such as the Agricultural Products Credit, Commercial Solar Electric System Credit, and Employee Ridesharing Credit, among others. Each credit has its own unique eligibility criteria and carryover provisions, which must be carefully adhered to when completing the form. Importantly, taxpayers must keep records of prior tax returns, as the Franchise Tax Board (FTB) may request documentation to verify claims, even for years beyond the typical statute of limitations. Notably, if you file certain tax schedules, you may not need to complete this form at all. Understanding the nuances of Form 3540 is vital for anyone looking to navigate California’s tax landscape effectively and ensure they take full advantage of available credits while complying with state tax regulations.
TAXABLE YEARCALIFORNIA FORM
2011
Credit Carryover Summary
3540
Attach to your California tax return.
SSN or ITIN Corporation no. FEIN
You do not need to complete this form if you file Schedule P (100, 100W, 540, 540NR, or 541).
Name(s) as shown on your California tax return
Secretary of State (SOS) file number
(a)
Code
(b)
Name of repealed credit
(c)
Credit carryover available
from prior years
(d)
Credit carryover
used this year
(e)
Credit carryover to
future years
General Information
References in these instructions are to the California Revenue and Taxation Code (R&TC).
NASSCO AMT Reduction – The Board of Equalization recently ruled in the Appeal of NASSCO Holdings, Inc 2010-SBE-001, November 17, 2010, that a corporate taxpayer may use the Manufacturing Investment Credit (MIC) to reduce alternative minimum tax (AMT).
A Purpose
Use form FTB 3540, Credit Carryover Summary, to figure a prior year credit carryover of one or more repealed credits that no longer have separate credit forms. Credit carryovers may not be carried back and applied against a prior year’s tax. The repeal dates have passed for the credits listed below. However, these credits had carryover provisions. You may claim these credits only if carryovers are available from a prior year(s).
You must keep your old tax returns along with the appropriate information to substantiate that you are entitled to the credits claimed on this form. The FTB can request that information even on tax returns for years that are past the statute of limitations.
B Assignment of Credits
Assigned Credits to Afiliated Corporations – For taxable years beginning on or after July 1, 2008, credits earned by members of a combined reporting group may be assigned to an affiliated corporation that is a member of the same combined reporting group. A credit assigned may only be applied by the affiliated corporation against their tax in a taxable year beginning on or after January 1, 2010.
For more information, get form FTB 3544, Election to Assign Credit Within Combined Reporting Group, or form FTB 3544A, List of Assigned Credit Received and/or Claimed by Assignee or go to ftb.ca.gov and search for credit assignment.
C Credit Carryover
Use the credit code number listed to the left of the credit name when you enter the credit amount on your tax return.
Code 175 – Agricultural Products Credit Carryover
You may claim a credit carryover if you donated agricultural products to a nonprofit organization under former R&TC Sections 17053.12 and 23608, only if a carryover is available from taxable years 1989 through 1991.
Code 196 – Commercial Solar Electric System Credit Carryover
You may claim a credit carryover for the costs of installing commercial solar electric systems under former R&TC Sections 17052.5 and 23601.5, only if a carryover is available from taxable years 1990 through 1993.
Code 181 – Commercial Solar Energy Credit Carryover
You may claim a credit carryover for the costs of installing commercial solar energy systems under former R&TC Sections 17052.4 and 23601.4, only if a carryover is available from taxable years 1987 through 1988.
Code 202 – Contribution of Computer Software Credit Carryover
(Corporations only)
You may claim a credit carryover if you contributed computer software under former R&TC Section 23606.1, only if a carryover is available from taxable years 1986 through 1987.
Code 194 – Employee Ridesharing Credit Carryover
(Individuals only)
You may claim a credit carryover for the costs paid or incurred as an employee for non-employer sponsored vanpool subscription costs under former R&TC Section 17053.1, only if a carryover is available from taxable years 1989 through 1995.
For Privacy Notice, get form FTB 1131.
7351113
FTB 3540 2011 Side 1
Code 191 – Employer Ridesharing Credit Carryover (Large)
You may claim a credit carryover for the cost of sponsoring a ridesharing program for your employees or for operating a private, third-party ridesharing program under former R&TC Sections 17053 and 23605, only if a carryover is available from taxable years 1989 through 1995.
Use Code 191 if, in the year(s) in which the credit was generated, your available credit was computed using the Large Employer Program because you were an employer with 200 or more employees.
Code 192 – Employer Ridesharing Credit Carryover (Small)
Use Code 192 if, in the year(s) in which the credit was generated, your available credit was computed using the Small Employer Program because you were an employer with fewer than 200 employees.
Code 193 – Employer Ridesharing Credit Carryover
(Transit Passes)
You may claim a credit carryover for the costs paid or incurred for providing subsidized public transit passes to your employees under former R&TC Sections 17053 and 23605, only if a carryover is available from taxable years 1989 through 1995.
Code 182 – Energy Conservation Credit Carryover
You may claim a credit carryover for the costs of installing energy conservation measures under former R&TC Sections 17052.4, 17052.8, and 23601.5, only if a carryover is available from taxable years 1981 through 1986.
Code 207 – Farmworker Housing Credit Carryover – Construction
You may claim a credit carryover for the eligible costs to construct or rehabilitate qualified farmworker housing under former R&TC Sections 17053.14 and 23608.2 only if a carryover is available from taxable years 1997 through 2008.
Code 215 – Joint Strike Fighter Credit Carryover — Wages
You may claim a credit carryover for the percentage of qualified wages paid or incurred for qualified employees under former R&TC Sections 17053.36 and 23636, only if the carryover is available from taxable years 2001 through 2005.
Limitation: The credit may be carried forward for up to eight years from the year in which the credit was incurred, or until exhausted, whichever occurs first.
Code 216 – Joint Strike Fighter Credit Carryover — Property Costs
You may claim a credit carryover for the qualified cost to manufacture qualified property placed in service in California under former R&TC Sections 17053.37 and 23637, only if the carryover is available from taxable years 2001 through 2005.
Code 159 – Los Angeles Revitalization Zone (LARZ) Hiring Credit Carryover & Sales or Use Tax Credit Carryover
You may claim a credit carryover for the following:
•Qualified wages paid to qualified employees under former
R&TC Sections 17053.10, 17053.17, 23623.5, and 23625, only if a carryover is available from taxable years 1992 through 1997.
•Sales or use tax paid or incurred on qualified property under former R&TC Sections 17052.15 and 23612.6, only if a carryover is available from taxable years 1992 through 1997.
The amount of credit carryover you may claim for the LARZ hiring credit and LARZ sales or use tax credit is limited by the amount of tax on business income attributable to the former LARZ. Get form FTB 3806, Los Angeles Revitalization Zone Business Booklet, to determine the amount of credit carryover you may claim.
Code 160 – Low-Emission Vehicles Credit Carryover
You may claim a credit carryover for the amount that was authorized by the CA Energy Commission under former R&TC Sections 17052.11 and 23603, only if a carryover is available from taxable years 1991 through 1995.
Code 199 – Manufacturers’ Investment Credit (MIC)
You may claim a credit carryover for the qualified costs paid or incurred for acquiring, constructing, or reconstructing qualified properties under Cal. Code Regs., tit. 18, sections 17053.49-0 through 17053.49-11 and sections 23649-0 through 23649-11, only if a carryover is available from taxable years 1994 through 2003.
Limitation: The credit may generally be carried over for a maximum of eight years. However, if the qualified taxpayer met the definition of a small business as of the last day of the taxable year in the year the credit was allowed, then the credit may be carried over for ten years.
Even though the cost to construct or acquire the property may have been paid or incurred during 2003 or prior years, if the property was not placed in service before January 1, 2004, none of those costs are qualified costs for the credit.
Code 185 – Orphan Drug Credit Carryover
You may claim a credit carryover for expenses related to qualified clinical testing under former R&TC Sections 17057 and 23609.5, only if a carryover is available from taxable years 1987 through 1992.
Code 184 – Political Contributions Credit Carryover
You may claim a credit carryover for political contributions you made prior to January 1, 1992, under former R&TC Section 17053.14, only if a carryover is available from taxable years 1987 through 1991.
The political contribution credit was the smaller of one of the following:
•25% (.25) of the amount contributed.
•$50 ($25 for married filing separately and single).
Code 174 – Recycling Equipment Credit Carryover
You may claim a credit carryover for the purchase of qualified recycling equipment, which was certified by the California Integrated Waste Management Board, under former R&TC Sections 17052.14 and 23612.5, only if a carryover is available from taxable years 1989 through 1993.
Code 186 – Residential Rental and Farm Sales Credit
Carryover (Individuals Only)
You may claim a credit carryover if you had a gain from the sale of residential rental or farm property under former R&TC Section 17061.5, only if a carryover is available from taxable years 1987 through 1991.
Code 206 – Rice Straw Credit Carryover
You may claim a credit carryover for the purchase of rice straw grown in California under former R&TC Sections 17052.10 and 23610, only if a carryover is available from taxable years 1997 through 2007.
Limitation: The credit may be carried forward for up to ten years from the year in which the credit was incurred, or until exhausted, whichever occurs first.
Side 2 FTB 3540 Instructions 2011
Code 171 – Ridesharing Credit Carryover (Pre-1989)
You may claim a credit carryover for the cost of sponsoring a ridesharing program for your employees, or for operating a private, third-party ridesharing program under former R&TC Sections 17053, and 23605, only if a carryover is available from taxable years 1981 through 1986.
Use Code 171 only for employer ridesharing credit carryovers from pre-1989 taxable years. If you are claiming a credit carryover from the employer ridesharing vehicle credit available in taxable years 1989 through 1995, see codes 191 through 193 to determine which code to use.
Code 200 – Salmon and Steelhead Trout Habitat Restoration
You may claim a credit carryover for the cost associated with salmon and steelhead trout habitat restoration and improvement projects under former R&TC Sections 17053.66 and 23666, only if a carryover is available from taxable years 1995 through 1999.
The credit amount is the lesser of 10% of qualified costs, or other amounts determined by the California Department of Fish and Game.
Code 180 – Solar Energy Credit Carryover
You may claim a credit carryover for the costs of installing solar energy systems under former R&TC Sections 17052.5 and 23601, only if a carryover is available from taxable years 1985 through 1988.
Code 179 – Solar Pump Credit Carryover
You may claim a credit carryover for the cost of installing a solar pump system under former R&TC Sections 17052.1, 17052.4, 17052.8,
and 23607, only if a carryover is available from taxable years 1981 through 1983.
Code 217 – Solar or Wind Energy System Credit Carryover
You may claim a credit carryover for the purchase and installation costs of a solar energy or wind energy system installed on California property under former R&TC Sections 17053.84 and 23684, from taxable years 2001 through 2005.
Code 201 – Technological Property Contribution Credit
Carryover (Corporations only)
You may claim a credit carryover if you contributed technological property under former R&TC Section 23606, only if a carryover is available from taxable years 1983 through 1984.
Code 178 – Water Conservation Credit Carryover
(Individuals, Estates, and Trusts only)
You may claim a credit carryover for the costs of installing water conservation measures under former R&TC Section 17052.8, only if a carryover is available from taxable years 1980 through 1982.
Code 161 – Young Infant Credit Carryover (Individuals Only)
You may claim a credit carryover for a dependent under 13 months of age under former R&TC Section 17052.20, only if a carryover is available from taxable years 1991 through 1993.
D Limitations
In general, a credit carryover cannot reduce the minimum franchise tax (corporations and S corporations) and the annual tax (limited partnerships, limited liability companies (LLCs) classified as partnerships, limited liability partnerships), the alternative minimum tax (corporations, exempt organizations, individuals, and fiduciaries), the built-in gains tax (S corporations), or the excess net passive income tax (S corporations).
Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) may be reduced by the following credit carryovers: solar energy credit, commercial solar energy credit and the manufacturing investment credit (MIC). However, the MIC carryover may only reduce the alternative minimum tax (AMT) for corporations. Get Schedule P (100, 100W, 540, 540NR, or 541).
If the available credit carryover for the current taxable year exceeds the current year tax, any unused amount may be carried over to succeeding years unless the credit carryover period has expired. Apply the carryover to the earliest taxable year(s) possible.
In no event can a credit carryover be carried back and applied against a prior year’s tax.
Single Member LLCs (SMLLC)
If a taxpayer owns an interest in a disregarded business entity [a single member limited liability company (SMLLC) not recognized by California, and for tax purposes treated as a sole proprietorship owned by an individual or a branch owned by a corporation], the credit amount received from the disregarded entity that can be utilized is limited to the difference between the taxpayer’s regular tax figured with the income of the disregarded entity, and the taxpayer’s regular tax figured without the income of the disregarded entity.
An SMLLC may be disregarded as an entity separate from its owner, and is subject to statutory provisions that recognize otherwise disregarded entities for certain tax purposes. Get Form 568, Limited Liability Company Income Tax Booklet.
If the disregarded entity reports a loss, the taxpayer may not claim the credit this year, but can carry over the credit amount received from the disregarded entity.
Specific Column Instructions
Column (a) – Enter the code number from the instructions for the carryover credit(s) you are eligible to claim.
Column (b) – Enter the name of repealed credit from the instructions for the carryover credit(s) you are eligible to claim.
Column (c) – Enter the amount of credit carryover available from prior years. This amount is on the prior year credit form or statement that you attached to your previous year’s tax return. This amount may also be on the prior year Schedule P (100, 100W, 540, 540NR, or 541), under Credit Carryover, column (d).
Column (d) – Enter the amount of credit carryover claimed on your current year tax return. The credit carryover amount you can claim on your tax return may be limited by tentative minimum tax or your tax liability. Refer to the credit instructions in your tax booklet to determine the amount of credit carryover you can claim and for information on claiming the credit carryover on your tax return. Also see General Information D, Limitations.
Column (e) – Subtract the amount in column (d) from the amount in column (c). Enter the result in column (e). This is the amount of credit that can be carried over to future years. To see if the credit is limited, see General Information D, Limitations.
FTB 3540 Instructions 2011 Page 3
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