California Seeks Income Taxes from Family After Move to Florida

California is trying to collect income taxes from a family that relocated to Florida, as indicated by documents the family shared online. The letter, dated January 6, 2026, requested various records—including receipts and canceled checks—to confirm their move from California about four years ago. The California Franchise Tax Board also asked for details about the family’s reasons for leaving the state.

Hari Raghavan and his wife, Mithali Gala, moved to Florida in 2021. Raghavan explained that although he wanted to sell their California home during the move, the sale didn’t happen right away, extending into 2022. He mentioned, “It was no longer defined as a primary residence.”

The January letter did not specify the amount of taxes Raghavan and Gala are supposed to owe, he told Center Square.

Raghavan initially shared his situation on X (previously known as Twitter). In response to inquiries, the Franchise Tax Board stated that personal tax records are confidential and that information about individuals cannot be disclosed. They noted that the process to determine any tax obligations could take considerable time.

According to Franchise Tax Board official Andrew LePage, “FTB’s audit program serves as a compliance mechanism to administer California’s tax laws.” They are currently conducting a residency investigation that can last from 18 to 24 months, depending on various factors.

LePage emphasized that anyone living in California and earning income there for at least nine months annually is required to pay personal income taxes. However, the board has not disclosed its criteria for conducting occupancy audits.

Raghavan and Gala are now working with their accountants on a strategy moving forward. Raghavan mentioned that, while he believes in everyone fulfilling their tax obligations, dealing with governmental agencies has often been a frustrating experience for him.

He expressed his concerns, stating, “I can’t say they’ve been unfair to us, with one exception. I can’t believe they would ask someone for a moving inventory list. Who is in control of it?”

Attempts to reach California state legislators involved in tax committees were unsuccessful. Several individuals commented on Raghavan’s post about their own similar encounters with the Franchise Tax Board but did not provide further comments when contacted.