SACRAMENTO
California to provide tax relief to businesses impacted by Los Angeles wildfires
Gov. Gavin Newsom today announced that the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) has automatically extended the tax filing deadline for three months for taxpayers within Los Angeles County. This comes on the heels of the state announcing that taxpayers in Los Angeles County will be granted a postponement to Oct. 15, 2025, to file California tax returns on 2024 income and make any tax payments that would have been due Jan. 7, 2025, through Oct. 15, 2025.
CDTFA will also continue to offer relief and extensions to those impacted beyond Los Angeles County based upon request. In addition to extra time to file, the state can provide relief from interest and penalties and create flexible payment plans for businesses.
“We have the operational building blocks in place to make sure government is there for all Californians. We care deeply about everyone affected, and we’re making sure that our business foundation remains strong and vibrant,” said Government Operations Agency Secretary Amy Tong.
“The loss resulting from these fires is devastating for business owners who have invested so much and worked so hard to succeed. Beyond the automatic extension, we encourage taxpayers who need help with any CDTFA program to reach out to us. Our team members are here to help taxpayers navigate their way to recovery,” said CDTFA Director Nick Maduros.
CDTFA’s disaster relief includes:
- Extensions to file returns: CDTFA returns and payments due on or before January 31, 2025, are automatically extended to April for Los Angeles County taxpayers whose last return was for less than $1 million in tax. This includes sales and use tax, as well as most other programs administered by CDTFA. A list of all tax programs included in this extension can be found here.
- Additional relief from interest and penalties: Impacted business owners not subject to the automatic extension or who require additional relief are encouraged to contact CDTFA for assistance.
- Copies of CDTFA tax records: Taxpayers who need to obtain copies of CDTFA tax records can receive replacements free of charge.
- Help with updating account information: This could include changing an address, opening or closing a business location, or obtaining a copy of a seller’s permit or CDTFA-issued license.
The automatic extensions for sales and use tax returns and payments to April 30, 2025, are eligible to those taxpayers who owed less than $1 million in sales and use tax on their 2024 third quarter returns.
Annual licensing fees under the Cigarette and Tobacco Products Licensing Act and returns due under the International Fuel Tax Agreement are not extended.
—Submitted
SACRAMENTO
Legislative Republicans applaud wildfire special session, call for swift action on prevention, response and insurance
On Monday, Legislative Republicans applauded the news that wildfire relief and prevention legislation will be considered in a special session of the Legislature and repeated their call for swift action to address the wildfire and insurance crises facing California. Dedicating state resources to these issues is a critical step towards stopping the fires, preventing similar tragedies in the future and stabilizing California’s battered insurance market.
The announcement came following a letter and press conference by legislative Republicans calling for Governor Newsom to do more to prevent fires, improve our emergency response capabilities and restore confidence and stability to the insurance industry.
“I’m glad to see Gov. Newsom agreeing that the state needs to prioritize relief for Californians impacted by these fires,” said Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher (Yuba City). “I certainly hope he doesn’t play politics with this money by tying it to his slush fund for government lawyers and left-wing groups to fight President Trump. This is a time for all of us to come together and take care of our fellow Californians who have lost everything.”
“We hear you. Some of us understand exactly what you’re going through,” said Assemblymember David Tangipa (Clovis). “In 2018, my family lost their property to the Carr Fire. We’ve witnessed it personally, and I want you to know that we stand here and we hear you. But most importantly, you deserve action.”
In their letter and press conference, Republican lawmakers calling for legislation to:
- Expedite permitting for wildfire prevention projects;
- Streamline environmental reviews for fire safety efforts;
- Enhance criminal penalties for arson and negligent fires;
- Provide incentives and assistance for home-hardening projects;
- Increase funding for wildfire prevention; and
- Provide transparency into California’s insurance market to stabilize the system.
Republicans will be working in the special session to ensure these priorities are addressed and turned into real solutions.
—Submitted
