January 2023: Governor Announces Emergency Tax Relief for Businesses Impacted by Storms

Update Applicable to:
All employers were affected by the storms in California.

What happened?
On January 18, 2023, Governor Gavin Newsom yesterday announced that business owners and taxpayers impacted by California’s winter storms are now eligible for emergency tax relief from late payment interest and penalties.

What are the details?
Impacts of the storms have been felt throughout the state, and small business owners affected by flooding, power outages, and other storm-related hardships may request up to an additional three months to file their tax returns. Taxpayers who face return deadlines between January 4, 2023, and January 31, 2023, who are granted relief will not have to pay interest and penalties if they cannot file their returns and pay taxes and fees by the original due date.

“Help is available for California businesses,” said Nick Maduros, director of the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA). “If you cannot file or make a payment on time because of the storms, please reach out to us, and we can offer some relief.”

Impacted taxpayers can request relief:

1. On the CDTFA website.
2. By mail at California Department of Tax and Fee Administration, P.O. Box 942879, MIC 35, Sacramento, CA 94279.
3. In-person at one of CDTFA’s field offices.
4. By phone at 1.800.400.7115 (CRS:711), Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Pacific Time), except state holidays.

Customers also can contact CDTFA to update account information, change an address or contact information, request replacement copies of CDTFA tax records, or ask questions about their accounts.

For more information, please see the links below:

Cal Chamber Article

What do employers need to do?
Employers affected by the storm should review the links provided above and be encouraged to contact the CDTFA for any assistance.