Relief Provided for CA Winter Storm Victims

The Franchise Tax Board (FTB) has announced that special tax relief is available for California corporate and individual income taxpayers affected by the recent winter storms that occurred in California from December 17, 2010, through January 4, 2011. The storms were declared a federal disaster in 10 counties on January 26, 2011. The counties declared major disaster areas include Inyo, Kern, Kings, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Tulare. Affected taxpayers may claim their disaster losses in the current or the prior tax year. Claiming the loss on a previously filed tax return allows the FTB to issue refunds quickly. Taxpayers claiming the disaster loss should write "California Winter Storms 2010" in red ink at the top of their tax return to alert the FTB to expedite the refund. If taxpayers are e-filing, they should follow the software instructions to enter the disaster information. Taxpayers can get forms for an amended 2009 tax return or an original 2010 tax return on the FTB's website at http://ftb.ca.gov/. Taxpayers needing copies of lost or damaged state returns should complete Form FTB 3516, Request for Copy of Tax Return, available online. Disaster victims can receive copies of their tax returns for free. They should print "California Winter Storms 2010" in red ink at the top of their requests. More information about disaster losses is available in FTB Publication 1034, Disaster Loss, IRS Publication 547, Casualties, Disasters, and Thefts. Taxpayers who have questions about their accounts can call the FTB toll-free at (800) 852.-5711, Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.