Taxation in California for investment property

[Account Closed]

I once lived in CA and in 1988 I bought a small 2 BR in a working class neighborhood. I have not lived in CA for 15 years. I sold the house this year and there was huge appreciation. The escrow company is insisting that I sign a Real Estate Withholding Certificate and that I must pay a state tax on this.

Is this true?

Kathie