Tax Information for Victims of California Wildfires and Other Disasters
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Is tax relief available for the Kincade, Tick, Getty, and Easy fires?

Oct 31, 2019 | CDTFA, Disaster Relief, EDD, Franchise Tax Board

FEDERAL RELIEF (IRS)

The president must declare a federal disaster before the IRS can authorize federal tax relief. California Governor Newsom has not requested a Federal Disaster Declaration for the Kincade, Tick, Getty, or Easy Fires at this time.

CALIFORNIA RELIEF (FTB, EDD, CDTFA)

The Governor has declared a state of emergency in California due to high winds resulting in fires throughout the state. Thus, tax relief IS available from the California Tax agencies.

FTB

  • Taxpayers may claim a disaster loss in one of two ways: In the tax year that the disaster occurred, when filing a 2019 tax return next year; or in the tax year before the disaster occurred by filing either an amended or original 2018 tax return. The FTB can more quickly issue a refund for eligible claimed losses in the prior tax year.

CDTFA

  • Taxpayers may receive a three-month extension to file returns with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration.

EDD

  • Taxpayers may request up to a 60-day extension of time from the EDD to file their state payroll reports and/or deposit payroll taxes without penalty or interest. This extension may be granted under Section 1111.5 of the California Unemployment Insurance Code (CUIC). A written request for extension must be received within 60 days from the original delinquent date of the payment or return.