Sales Tax & Use Tax Audit in California (Video)

Watch this quick walk-through of what triggers CDTFA sales & use tax audits, what records they’ll ask for, and how to protect your business.




WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

  • Why CDTFA initiates sales & use tax audits (common triggers)
  • What documents auditors request and how to prepare
  • How markup tests and credit-card ratios are used against you
  • Steps to appeal and defend against inflated assessments



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Marc Boulanger, CPA — California Sales Tax & CDTFA Audit Specialist


Marc is a CPA with many years of experience helping California business owners resolve complex sales tax and CDTFA audit matters. With formal training in accounting and a Master’s degree in Accounting, Marc combines technical precision with practical experience across industries such as restaurants, auto repair, retail, and multi-location franchises.


Outside of work, Marc enjoys traveling the country with his wife of 30 years and their five children. His approach to audit defense is built on clear communication, thorough analysis, and treating every client’s business as if it were his own.

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The California Restaurant Owner’s Guide to Surviving a CDTFA Sales Tax Audit

By Marc Boulanger • August 22, 2026
Facing a CDTFA restaurant audit? Learn how California auditors examine POS records, credit cards, cash sales, purchases, markups, bank deposits and test periods.

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