California storm victims qualify for tax extensions and disaster assis

Published on January 23, 2023

Due to winter storms, both the state Franchise Tax Board and the Internal Revenue Service have extended the filing and payment deadlines for individuals and businesses in San Mateo and other affected California counties until Oct. 16, 2023. You do not need to have experienced storm-related damage to qualify for the extension.

This relief applies to deadlines falling on or after Jan. 8, 2023, and before Oct. 16, 2023, including the 2022 individual income tax returns due April 18, and the quarterly estimated tax payments, typically due Jan. 17, 2023, and April 18, 2023.

Visit the California Franchise Tax Board website to learn about the new state tax filing deadline for affected counties.

Visit the IRS website for more information about the federal tax extension.

State disaster loss tax deduction

Did you experience damages or losses due to the recent storms? You may be eligible to claim a deduction on your state taxes for a disaster loss.

Taxpayers may claim a disaster loss when filing either an original or amended tax year 2022 state tax return. When filing their return, taxpayers should write the name of the disaster (California severe winter storms) in blue or black ink at the top of their tax return to alert the Franchise Tax Board. If filing electronically, taxpayers should follow the software instructions to enter disaster information.

Visit the Franchise Tax Board website for detailed instructions about how to claim state disaster deductions.

Federal disaster assistance

You may also be eligible for federal disaster assistance. Disaster assistance may include grants to help pay for temporary housing and essential home repairs as well as other serious disaster-related needs such as medical and dental expenses, transportation, child care, and moving and storage expenses. Operated through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, disaster assistance provides financial and direct services to eligible individuals and households affected by a disaster who have uninsured or under-insured necessary expenses and serious needs. The assistance is intended to meet basic needs and supplement disaster recovery efforts.

Visit the FEMA website for more information about federal disaster assistance.

You can also check with the IRS to see if you are eligible to claim disaster-related casualty losses on your federal income tax return. Individuals may deduct personal property losses that are not covered by insurance or other reimbursements.

Find out if you qualify for the California Earned Income Tax Credit

The California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) offers up to $3,417 through cash back or tax reduction for low-income, working Californians. Those who qualify for CalEITC include those who are at least 18 years old and who have earned a yearly income of $30,000 or less.

Check your eligibility online.