News Release

Contact: Office of Public Affairs
1-916-327-8988
For Immediate Release
August 1, 2016
NR 65-16-G

Emergency Tax Relief, Local Assistance Available for Business Owners Affected by Wildfires in California

Sacramento – The Board of Equalization (BOE) announced today that business owners and tax and feepayers affected by the Sand Fire in Los Angeles County and the Soberanes Fire in Monterey County 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 request relief online 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.

  • Sales and Use Taxes
  • Fire Prevention Fee
  • Alcoholic Beverage Taxes
  • Cigarettes and Tobacco Products Taxes and Licensing
  • Energy Resources Surcharge
  • Emergency Telephone Users Surcharge
  • Natural Gas Surcharge
  • Water Rights Fee
  • Fuel Taxes (Diesel Fuel Tax, Interstate User Tax, Use Fuel Tax, Motor Vehicle Fuel Tax, Aircraft Jet Fuel)
  • Underground Storage Tank Maintenance Fee
  • Oil Spill Prevention and Administration Fee; Oil Spill Response Fee
  • Lumber Products Assessment
  • Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Fee
  • Integrated Waste Management Fee
  • Occupational Lead Poisoning Prevention Fee
  • Electronic Waste Recycling (eWaste) Fee
  • Marine Invasive Species Fee (Ballast Water Management Fee)
  • California Tire Fee
  • Hazardous Substances Fees (Environmental Fee, Activity Fee, Generator Fee, Disposal Fee, Facility Fee)

This video (in English and Spanish) has more information on relief requests.


The five-member California State Board of Equalization (BOE) is a publicly elected tax board that serves a significant role in the assessment and administration of property taxes.

Note: This news release may discuss complex tax laws and concepts. It may not address every situation, and is not considered written advice under Revenue and Taxation Code section 6596. Changes in law or regulations may have occurred since the time this news release was written. If there is a conflict between the text of this news release and the law, decisions will be based upon the law and not this news release. For specific help, please contact the BOE at 1-800-400-7115.