Harold Randall, for Himself and All Others Similarly Situated v. Franchise Tax Board of the State of California

This is an appeal from a dismissal of the action in the district court on the grounds that a federal court cannot act where there exists a plain, speedy and efficient state remedy.

The pertinent facts are as follows: In April 1969, appellant, under penalty of perjury, filed a personal income tax return for 1968 indicating $90.00 due in state taxes. No payment was made. On two occasions the Franchise Tax Board (Board) notified appellant of the delinquency. The latter notice requested that he appear before the Board to arrange payment. Appellant did not respond to the notices.

In October 1969, the Board issued an order to withhold tax, pursuant to California Revenue and Taxation Code § 18807, upon appellant’s employer who paid over appellant’s entire wages of $29.48 for the week ending October 11, 1969.

Appellant filed this action on behalf of himself, and all persons similarly situated, for an injunction, contending that section 18807 is unconstitutional on its face and as applied to them in that it allows the taking of property without due process of law and violates the Equal Protection Clause as it discriminates against appellant and others in a similar situation.

The case…