If you’ve been impacted by the devastating wildfires in southern California, there’s some good news on the tax front. The IRS and California’s Franchise Tax Board (FTB) are stepping up to ease the burden for affected individuals and businesses. The IRS has announced that taxpayers in areas hit by the fires, which started on January 7, 2025, now have until October 15, 2025, to file returns and make payments. This includes folks in Los Angeles County and other areas designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Governor Gavin Newsom shared that California’s FTB is also offering similar relief. Here’s what this means: If you had a tax deadline between January 7 and October 15, 2025, you’ve got until October 15 to get everything sorted. This covers everything from individual income tax returns to quarterly payroll filings and even contributions to IRAs and health savings accounts. Penalties for missed payroll and excise tax deposits will also be waived if payments are made by January 22, 2025. Qualifying for this relief is straightforward. If your IRS address of record is in the disaster area, you’re automatically covered. If you’ve moved to the area or need assistance, just give the IRS a call at 866-562-5227. There’s more help available, too. If you’ve suffered uninsured or unreimbursed losses due to the wildfires, you can claim them on either your 2024 or 2025 tax return. Plus, disaster relief payments from government agencies won’t count toward your taxable income. This is a tough time for many, but these measures aim to provide a little financial breathing room. Stay safe, and remember, help is available for navigating these challenges. ---