Press Releases
Controller Malia M. Cohen Releases Video Message on Los Angeles County Wildfires and Reminds Wildfire Victims of Disaster Relief Available through the Franchise Tax Board and Board of Equalization
1/21/2025
916-201-9261
scocomm@sco.ca.gov
SACRAMENTO — Today, Controller Malia M. Cohen released a video message to inform Angelenos affected by the Los Angeles County wildfires about the disaster relief available through the Franchise Tax Board (FTB) and Board of Equalization (BOE).
“To those affected by the wildfires, please know that you are not alone. I am committed to ensuring that Angelenos have the help they need through disaster relief resources available through the FTB and the BOE,” stated Controller Cohen. “Taxpayers in Los Angeles County are granted a postponement to October 15, 2025, for 2024 tax returns and any tax payments that would have been due January 7. Additionally, property owners impacted by the current wildfires in Los Angeles County may be eligible for various property tax disaster relief resources. I encourage wildfire victims to visit www.ftb.ca.gov and www.boe.ca.gov to learn more about the disaster relief programs that they may be eligible to receive.”
Background
On January 11, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that the FTB will provide state disaster tax relief for taxpayers and businesses affected by the recent wildfires in Los Angeles County.
On January 14, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that property owners in Governor-proclaimed disaster areas or properties impacted by the current wildfires in Los Angeles County may be eligible for various property tax disaster relief.
On January 16, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that he issued an executive order to suspend penalties, costs, and any interest accrued on late property tax payments until April 10, 2026 for properties in areas affected by the firestorm.
As the chief fiscal officer of California, Controller Cohen independently oversees and manages California’s financial resources with integrity and transparency to build trust. The Controller is responsible for accountability and disbursement of the state’s financial resources. The Controller has independent auditing authority over government agencies that spend state funds. She is a member of numerous financing authorities, and fiscal and financial oversight entities including the Franchise Tax Board. She also serves on the boards for the nation’s two largest public pension funds. Follow the Controller on X at @CAController and on Facebook at California State Controller’s Office.
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