Cal. Rev. & Tax. Code § 9024
The obligation of the successor shall be enforced by serving a notice of successor liability on the person. The notice shall be served in the manner prescribed for service of a notice of a deficiency determination, not later than three years after the date the board is notified of the purchase of the business or stock of goods. The successor may petition for reconsideration in the manner provided in Article 5 (commencing with Section 8851) of Chapter 4. The notice shall become final and the amount due and payable in the manner provided in that article except that no additional penalty shall apply if not paid when due and payable. This chapter, with respect to the collection of any amount required to be paid under this part, shall apply when the notice becomes final.
Ca. Rev. and Tax. Code § 9024