Tax News

CCH (cch.taxgroup.com) reports:

  The California State Board of Equalization (SBE) and the Employment Development Department (EDD) have announced that taxpayers affected by wildfires and (for the SBE) flash flooding in Inyo County may be eligible for emergency tax relief in regard to taxes administered by those agencies.

  For all taxpayers and fee payers who cannot meet tax filing and payment deadlines due to the fires and floods, the SBE may grant a one-month extension to file or pay taxes or fees. The SBE also may extend deadlines for filings that were delayed by disruption of the normal activities of the U.S. Postal Service or private mail and freight companies. Relief is also available from interest and penalties for those unable to file their returns or pay taxes and fees due in a timely manner. Persons requesting relief must include with their returns a statement signed under penalty of perjury stating the cause for the late filing. Claims for property tax relief must be filed with the county assessor.

  Employers in the county of Inyo directly affected by the damage resulting from the fire may request up to a 60-day extension of time from the EDD to file their state payroll reports and/or deposit state payroll taxes without penalty or interest. A written request for extension must be received within 60 days from the original delinquent date of the payment or return to file or pay.

  Subscribers to CCH Tax Research NetWork can view the text of the SBE release and the EDD e-mail.

News Release 55-08-L , California State Board of Equalization, July 17, 2008; E-mail , California Employment Development Department, July 18, 2008.