Disaster and Tax Relief Now Available for those Affected By California and Oregon Wildfires

As wildfires and high winds continue to ravage the west coast, we at Aldrich want to acknowledge the challenges facing our people and clients. If the California and Oregon wildfires damaged your business, or otherwise rendered it inoperable, you may be entitled to tax credits and associated disaster relief, including extensions for tax deadlines. Please be sure to check your specific state and county relief options that may be available for you.

Our experts have compiled tax resources for affected individuals and businesses in the following lists. We recommend continuing to consult your local insurance provider, county assessor’s office, and business advisors for support with utilizing tax and disaster relief.

• IRS Tax Relief in Disaster Situations
• IRS FAQ for Disaster Victims — Affected Taxpayer and Records Necessary to Meet a Deadline for Filing and Paying

On August 24, 2020, the IRS granted relief to individuals and businesses in nine California counties, including:

• Butte
• Lake
• Monterey
• Napa
• San Mateo
• Santa Cruz
• Solano
• Sonoma
• Yolo

Other California resources include:

• IRS Announces Tax Relief for California Wildfire Victims — IRS Press Release, August 26, 2020
• California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
• California Taxpayers Affected by Wildfires Granted Extension to File 2019 Returns — California Franchise Tax Board Press Release, August 28, 2020

On September 16, 2020, the IRS announced tax relief for individuals and businesses in the following eight Oregon counties:

• Clackamas
• Douglas
• Jackson
• Klamath
• Lane
• Lincoln
• Linn
• Marion

Additionally, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) designated many affected Oregon counties as eligible for public assistance, emergency work, repair, and replacement of disaster-damaged facilities. You can find the full list of affected counties here.

Other Oregon Resources include:

• Oregon Wildfire and Straight-line Wind Tax Relief — Oregon Department of Revenue, September 28, 2020
• IRS Announces Tax Relief for Oregon Wildfires and Straight-Line Winds Victims — IRS Press Release, September 16, 2020
• President Donald J. Trump Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Oregon — FEMA Press Release, September 15, 2020
• FEMA Delivers Federal Assistance in Response to Historic Wildfires in Oregon — FEMA Press Release, September 12, 2020
• Oregon Wildfire Resources – Oregon Department of Revenue website
• State of Oregon and FEMA Working Together to Deliver Coordinated Wildfire Response — FEMA Press Release, September 13, 2020
• Oregon Department of Revenue Fire or Act of God — Tax Proration – PDF Description 
• Oregon Application for Proration of Property Taxes Due to Damage by Fire or Act of God – PDF Application

Aldrich Advisors will continue to provide updates with additional disaster relief as it becomes available. If you or your business were directly affected by winds, fires, or smoke, please reach out to your Aldrich Advisor to discover what aid and tax extensions may be available to you.