The Board of Equalization announced Monday that business owners and tax and feepayers affected by the Sand Fire may request extensions to file their returns, ask for relief from penalties and/or interest for some taxes and fees, or request replacement copies of records lost or damaged.

The BOE will also staff a Local Assistance Center August 5 through August 8 at Hart Hall in William S. Hart Park, located at 24151 Newhall Avenue in Newhall. There, residents will be able to talk to staff from the BOE and other state and local agencies about available recovery assistance and replacement of government documents that may have been destroyed or lost. BOE staff will be available at the center on Friday, August 5, from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, August 6, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and Monday, August 8, from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Emergency tax or fee relief is available from the BOE for business owners and tax and feepayers directly affected by disasters declared as state of emergencies. Acting Governor Tom Torlakson issued an emergency proclamation for Los Angeles and Monterey counties on Tuesday, July 26, due to the effects of the Sand Fire and Soberanes Fire.

“My heart goes out to all of the people affected by the fires burning across the state,” said Chairwoman Fiona Ma. “I am grateful to all our firefighters and volunteers who are putting their lives on the line to protect our friends and neighbors.”

“People should not have to worry about taxes during this tragedy,” said BOE Member George Runner. “We’re doing everything we can to provide relief to those affected.”

“The Board of Equalization sympathizes with everyone who has fallen victim to this disaster,” said BOE Member Jerome E. Horton. “I hope that this relief will help those affected by the Sand Fire.”

Requesting Relief

Tax and feepayers for the programs below can go online to request relief from penalties and/or interest, and an extension of time to file their tax or fee returns. They, as well as payers of the Timber Yield Tax and Prepaid Mobile Telephony Services (MTS) Surcharge, may also call the BOE Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-800-400-7115 (TTY: 711), Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Pacific Time), for assistance requesting relief.

The five-member California State Board of Equalization (BOE) is a publicly elected tax board. The BOE collects $60.5 billion annually in taxes and fees, supporting state and local government services. It hears business tax appeals, acts as the appellate body for franchise and personal income tax appeals, and serves a significant role in the assessment and administration of property taxes.  For more information on other taxes and fees in California, visit the California Tax Service Center.