Fire Relief Info - Linkenheimer LLP CPAs & Advisors

Thompson, LaMalfa Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Ensure Fire Victims Don’t Pay Taxes on PG&E Court-Ordered Trust Payments

Washington –

Today, Reps. Mike Thompson (CA-05) and Doug LaMalfa (CA-01) introduced bipartisan legislation to ensure that no fire survivors are taxed on the payments they received from the PG&E Fire Victims Trust. Following fires in 2015, 2017, and 2018, PG&E established a court-ordered trust of over $13 billion for survivors of these devastating events.

“I have heard from constituents across our community who are deeply, deeply concerned that they will face a tax burden upon receiving a payout from PG&E,” said Thompson. “This trust was set up to help people get back on their feet and recover after a destructive fire. They should not have to pay taxes on these payouts. I am proud to introduce this bill alongside Rep. LaMalfa to help our constituents receive the money they are owed, and will continue working to ensure survivors have the resources they need to recover from these tragedies.”

“Fire victims have lost homes, belongings, and for some, even their loved ones. We should not ask survivors to pay federal taxes on compensation that they will use to rebuild their lives. And we certainly should not be asking them to pay taxes on […]

By Linkenheimer LLP|2022-04-01T22:47:30+00:00April 1st, 2022|fire, Fire Relief Info, New Tax Laws|0 Comments

California Tax Updates Regarding Wildfire Victims

Update 1:

Wildfire victims in parts of California now have until Jan. 3, 2022, to file certain tax returns and make tax payments. In August 2021, CA granted extensions to individuals and businesses affected by wildfires. They were originally given until Nov. 15, 2021 to complete these tasks. The IRS has now extended that deadline to Jan. 3, 2022. This deadline also applies to the quarterly payroll and tax returns normally due on Aug. 2, 2021, and Nov. 1, 2021. In addition, penalties on payroll tax deposits due on or after July 17, 2021, but before July 29, 2021 will be abated as long as the deposits were made by July 29, 2021.

Update 2:

New rates for California’s cannabis cultivation tax have been posted for 2022.The CA Dept. of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) lists the following: cannabis flower, $10.08 per dry-weight ounce; cannabis leaves, $3.00 per dry-weight ounce; and fresh cannabis plants, $1.41 per ounce. Rates for cannabis cultivation tax are […]

By Linkenheimer LLP|2021-12-02T20:34:10+00:00December 2nd, 2021|filing deadline, fire, Fire Relief Info, tax deadlines|0 Comments

You Can Only Claim a Casualty Loss Tax Deduction in Certain Situations

In recent weeks, some Americans have been victimized by hurricanes, severe storms, flooding, wildfires and other disasters. No matter where you live, unexpected disasters may cause damage to your home or personal property. Before the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), eligible casualty loss victims could claim a deduction on their tax returns. But there are now restrictions that make these deductions harder to take.

What’s considered a casualty for tax purposes? It’s a sudden, unexpected or unusual event, such as a hurricane, tornado, flood, earthquake, fire, act of vandalism or a terrorist attack.

More difficult to qualify

For losses incurred through 2025, the TCJA generally eliminates deductions for personal casualty losses, except for losses due to federally declared disasters. For example, during the summer of 2021, there have been presidential declarations of major disasters in parts of Tennessee, New York state, Florida and California after severe storms, flooding and wildfires. So victims in affected areas would be eligible for casualty loss deductions.

Note: There’s an exception to the general rule of allowing casualty loss deductions only in federally declared disaster areas. If you have personal casualty gains because your insurance proceeds exceed the tax basis of the damaged […]

By Linkenheimer LLP|2021-08-31T21:56:15+00:00August 31st, 2021|casualty loss, deduction, deductions, disaster, Fire Relief Info, tcja|0 Comments

California Tax Updates from 8/25

Update 1:

Employers in California counties plagued by wildfires get payroll tax relief. The CA Employment Development Dept. (EDD) has announced tax relief for employers in Trinity, Tehama and Shasta Counties, directly affected by the McFarland, Monument and Dixie Fires. Those employers may request up to a 60-day extension of time from the EDD to file their state payroll reports and deposit payroll taxes, without penalty or interest. A written request for an extension must be received within 60 days from the original delinquent date of the payment or return. Here’s more: https://bit.ly/389teWV

Update 2:

If you’re a California resident who owes estimated CA tax payments, your next payment due date is rolling up fast. By Sept. 15, the third installment of your 2021 state tax is due. Generally, you must make estimated payments if you expect to owe at least $500 for 2021, after you subtract withholding or credits you may have, or face penalties. […]

By Linkenheimer LLP|2021-08-25T20:12:59+00:00August 25th, 2021|CA tax, california, disaster, estimated tax payments, fire, Fire Relief Info|0 Comments

Affected by the Power Outages? Tax Relief May Be Available.

Some tax relief is available for California taxpayers affected by the frequent power shutoffs that plague the state. The CA Franchise Tax Board is advising taxpayers impacted by the safety-related power blackouts that began in October 2019 that they may be eligible for penalty relief if the penalties are due to the shutoffs. Taxpayers in impacted counties may request penalty abatement upon a showing of reasonable cause. For details, go to https://bit.ly/2PzCN9r and arrow down to “Extended deadlines.” If you have questions about how the shut offs may have affected you or your business with concerns related to tax payments or penalties, please contact your Linkenheimer CPA.

By Linkenheimer LLP|2020-09-03T20:03:29+00:00November 15th, 2019|business, ca, CA tax, california, Fire Relief Info, individuals, tax deadlines|0 Comments