California Sea Otter Tax Check-Off

The California Sea Otter Fund supports researchers and others who are working to understand the impacts facing the threatened sea otter and to find ways to recover their population in California.

A small contribution from every Californian will go a long way towards helping to recover one of California's most charismatic and wonderful species, the sea otter!

Sea Otter Fund Gets $250K, Stays on Tax Form!

Sea Otter Fund PosterCalifornia taxpayers must contribute at least $250,000 each year to keep the Sea Otter Fund alive.

In 2008 the fund has already gotten $253,350, and there are still six months to go! Way to go, California!



It's Easy – Here Are the Steps to Take to Help Out

  1. When filling out your 540 form, look for line 60 labeled CA Sea Otter Fund, under Contributions. Fill out whatever amount you wish to donate.
  2. If owed money by the state, whatever amount you contribute to the CA Sea Otter Fund will be deducted from your refund.
  3. If you owe taxes, whatever amount you contribute should be added to your check you make out to the State.


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And don’t forget that you can help California save other endangered and threatened species by checking the Rare and Endangered Species Preservation Program as well.

Spread the Word!

Download the CA Sea Otter WallpaperPut wallpaper on your computer!
Put this great Sea Otter Fund wallpaper on your computer's desktop.

Sea Otter Tax Fund PosterDownload a poster!
Print out this poster and spread the word!


$250,000 in Contributions Needed Each Year

California taxpayers must contribute at least $250,000 each year to keep the Sea Otter Fund alive.

Phillippe Cousteau supports the Sea Otter Fund!

Listen to his message.

In 2007, taxpayers gave $255,088! In 2008, Californians have already contributed $253,350 (through June). So with six months to go, the fund has already met the minimum needed to remain on the state income tax form and looks to greatly surpass last year’s total!.

In 2009, a minimum target will still need to be reached (something slightly higher than $250,000, based on the inflation rate) in order to keep the Sea Otter Fund on the income tax form.

If you do the math, California taxpayers have contributed more than a half a million dollars in less than two years to help us recover the sea otter. Way to go!

Background on the Income Tax Check-Off

In 2006 Defenders of Wildlife was successful in passing a bill in California, AB 2485 by Assemblymembers Laird and Jones, that created a voluntary check-off on income tax forms to create a fund to help sea otters. Learn more about AB 2485.

What's Killing the Sea Otters?

To better understand the threats facing California’s sea otters, what researchers are doing to help recover the sea otter, and how your contribution to the CA Sea Otter Fund is being used, watch this segment about sea otters from the science series, Quest, from KQED.