California · Revenue and Taxation Code - RTC

RTC §7056.5: (a) Except as otherwise provided by this article or other express provision of law, the information furnished or secured pursuant to this part shall be used solely for the purpose of administering the

Misdemeanor

What this law says, in plain English

Willful unauthorized inspection, disclosure, or use of confidential tax information by government employees or agencies is a misdemeanor. Taxpayers must be notified of such incidents when criminal charges are filed.

Read the full statutory text

(a) Except as otherwise provided by this article or other express provision of law, the information furnished or secured pursuant to this part shall be used solely for the purpose of administering the tax laws or other laws administered by the person or agency obtaining it. Any willful unauthorized inspection or unwarranted disclosure or use of the information by the person or agency, or the employees and officers thereof, is a misdemeanor. For purposes of this section, “inspection” means any examination of confidential information furnished or secured pursuant to this part. (b) The board shall notify a taxpayer of any known incidents of willful unauthorized inspection or unwarranted disclosure or use of the taxpayer’s confidential tax records, but only if criminal charges have been filed for the willful unauthorized inspection or unwarranted disclosure.

Verify at the official source: California legislative text

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This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.