Franchise Tax Board Extends Filing Deadlines in California for Taxpayers Affected by Winter Storms

President Biden and Governor Newsom declared a state of emergency throughout California in response to the recent winter storms. These declarations mean residents and businesses in California who have been affected by severe winter storms, flooding, and mudslides are eligible for tax relief. 

To help alleviate some of the stress many have endured during this trying period, the FTB has extended the filing and payment deadlines for individuals and businesses in California until May 15, 2023. 

This relief applies to deadlines falling on or after January 8, 2023, and before May 15, 2023, including the 2022 individual income tax returns due on April 18 and the quarterly estimated tax payments, typically due on January 17, 2023, and April 18, 2023. 

“This extension offers much-needed relief to taxpayers impacted by these powerful storms,” said Governor Newsom. “For some, this will provide additional time to file their California tax returns or make their quarterly estimated tax payment to the state.” 

Disaster Area Residents and businesses in Alameda, Colusa, Contra Costa, El Dorado, Fresno, Glenn, Humboldt, Kings, Lake, Los Angeles, Madera, Marin, Mariposa, Mendocino, Merced, Mono, Monterey, Napa, Orange, Placer, Riverside, Sacramento, San Benito, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Francisco, San Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Sutter, Tehama, Tulare, Ventura, Yolo, and Yuba counties who have been affected by severe winter storms, flooding, and mudslides are eligible for tax relief. 

Tax Relief The IRS announced tax relief for Californians affected by these winter storms. Taxpayers affected by these storms qualify for an extension to May 15, 2023, to file individual and business tax returns and make certain tax payments. This includes: Individuals whose tax returns and payments are due on April 18, 2023. Quarterly estimated tax payments due January 17, 2023, and April 18, 2023. Business entities whose tax returns and payments are due on March 15, 2023. 

In addition, FTB will suspend the mailing of collection notices to affected taxpayers for the next 30 days, beginning January 13, 2023. Claiming Disaster Losses Taxpayers affected by a presidentially declared disaster may claim a deduction for a disaster loss. Taxpayers may claim a disaster loss when filing either an original or amended tax year 2022 tax return. 

When filing their return, taxpayers should write the name of the disaster in blue or black ink at the top of their tax return to alert FTB. If filing electronically, taxpayers should follow the software instructions to enter disaster information. If a taxpayer receives a late filing or payment penalty notice related to the postponement period, they should call the number on the notice to have the penalty abated. 

Additional information and instructions are available in FTB Publication 1034, 2022 Disaster Loss: How to Claim a State Tax Deduction. Disaster victims can receive free copies of their state returns to replace those lost or damaged. To do so, they should use form FTB 3516 and write the name of the disaster in blue or black ink at the top of the request. For a complete list of all disasters declared in California, see the chart on FTB’s disaster loss webpage.