California AB 703 – Fight Childhood Cancer With Your Tax Return

File Your California Tax Return

When you file your 2025 California income taxes (due April 15, 2026), you'll use Form 540 — the California Resident Income Tax Return. This is the same form whether you file through TurboTax®, H&R Block®, a CPA, or on paper.

Find Code 448 in the Voluntary Contributions Section

In tax software, you'll be prompted during your California state return. On paper, it's on Side 4 of Form 540 in the Contributions section. The fund you're looking for:

California Pediatric Cancer Research Voluntary Tax Contribution Fund

Code 448 · Form 540, Side 4

FORM 540 — SIDE 4 · CONTRIBUTIONS SECTION (2025 TAX YEAR)

California Sea Otter Fund400

School Supplies for Homeless Children422

✦ CA Pediatric Cancer Research Fund448

$ ___

State Children's Trust Fund403

Enter Your Donation Amount

Minimum

Increments

Whole dollars only

Joint Filers

Each spouse can contribute

Maximum

No limit

Important

Irrevocable once filed

Examples: Getting a $1,200 refund and contribute $25? You'll receive $1,175. Owe $500 and contribute $25? Your payment becomes $525.

File by April 15, 2026

Submit your return by the deadline. Your contribution is processed automatically by the Franchise Tax Board — no extra forms or paperwork needed.

Claim Your Federal Deduction Next Year

Your donation qualifies as a charitable deduction on your federal taxes. Include it on Schedule A when filing your 2026 federal return.

Where to Find It When You File

Select how you file to see exact instructions.

Step A: Click "Yes" to donate

During your California state return, TurboTax® will ask: "Do you want to donate to a California special fund?" Click Yes.

📸 TurboTax® — "Donate to a California Special Fund?" screen

Step B: Scroll down and find the fund

On the next screen, scroll to the bottom of the list. Look for "California Pediatric Cancer Research Voluntary Tax Contribution Fund" — it's near the end. Enter your donation amount in the box next to it, then click Continue.

📸 TurboTax® — "Donate to Special Funds" list (scroll to bottom)

Tip: You can also search "voluntary contributions" or "pediatric cancer" in the TurboTax® search bar to jump directly to the section.

Finding the Section

Whether you're using H&R Block® online, desktop software, or filing in person with a tax professional, look for the "Voluntary Contributions" or "Donate to Special Funds" section near the end of your California state return.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Continue through your California state return until you reach the voluntary contributions section.
Locate: California Pediatric Cancer Research Voluntary Tax Contribution Fund Code 448
Enter any whole-dollar amount of $1 or more.

Filing in person? Tell your H&R Block® tax preparer: "I'd like to donate to Code 448 on Form 540."

Step-by-Step for Paper Filers

Obtain Form 540 from ftb.ca.gov or your local library.
Complete all sections of the form as usual.
Turn to Side 4 and locate the Contributions section.
Find the line for California Pediatric Cancer Research Voluntary Tax Contribution Fund — Code 448.
Write your whole-dollar donation amount in the box to the right.
Continue completing the form, adding the contribution to any balance owed or subtracting from your refund.
Mail your completed return by April 15, 2026.

FORM 540 — SIDE 4 · CONTRIBUTIONS (PAPER FILING VIEW)

CA Pediatric Cancer Research Voluntary Tax Contribution Fund448$ ___

What to Tell Your Tax Preparer

Simply say: "I want to contribute to the California Pediatric Cancer Research Fund — Code 448 on Form 540."

Any licensed CPA, enrolled agent, or tax professional filing your California return can add this contribution. No additional paperwork is required on your end — it's handled entirely on Form 540, Side 4.

Tip: You can show them this guide if they need the exact fund name and code.

CalFile (FTB Free Filing)

California's free filing system at ftb.ca.gov includes the voluntary contributions section automatically during the filing flow. Look for it near the end of your California state return and enter your amount when prompted.

TaxAct®, FreeTaxUSA®, Cash App Taxes®, and Others

All major tax software packages that support California Form 540 include the voluntary contributions section. During your California state return, search for "voluntary contributions" or "pediatric cancer" if you don't see it automatically. Enter your amount next to Code 448.

✓ All Filing Methods

No matter how you file, the official contribution always appears on:

California Form 540 · Side 4 – Contributions Section · Code 448

TurboTax®

H&R Block®

TaxAct®

FreeTaxUSA®

Cash App Taxes®

CalFile

CPA / Tax Pro

Paper Filing

Common Questions

Quick answers to what people ask most.

Do I need a refund to donate?

No. If you owe taxes, the contribution is added to your balance. If you have a refund, it's deducted from it.

Where does the money go?

100% goes to the CA Pediatric Cancer Research Fund, administered by the UC system's Cancer Research Coordinating Committee. Over 95% goes directly to research through competitive peer review.

Can I change my mind after filing?

No. Voluntary contributions are irrevocable once your return is filed.

Is there a maximum donation?

No maximum. Any whole dollar amount of $1 or more qualifies.

Is my donation tax-deductible?

Yes. Your contribution qualifies as a charitable deduction on your federal taxes (Schedule A) in the following tax year.

I'm a non-resident or part-year resident. Can I still donate?

Yes. The voluntary contribution section also appears on Form 540NR for non-residents and part-year residents.

"Ronil never lost hope, and neither can we."
— Sahil Mehta, ACS CAN Legislative Ambassador
Neev Kolte & Brave Ronil Foundation · Co-sponsored by ACS CAN