Disaster Recovery

Disaster Recovery Resources

Free Disaster Relief Webcast: Disaster Tax Rules You Need to Know
This California CPA Education Foundation presentation features disaster recovery experts Anna Maria Galdieri, CPA and Joe Calderaro of the IRS, who discuss understanding insurance policies, the claims process and specific disaster casualty loss issues like personal losses and appraisals, among other issues. (Originally aired Nov. 15, 2007)

Financial Empowerment Podcast
The October 2007 edition of Financial Empowerment offers the public practical advice on how to prepare for the worst.

Disaster Recovery Documents

Community Assisting Recovery Inc., a Southern California-based nonprofit organization, provides documents and information that can be downloaded at no cost to help disaster victims take care of issues, such as taking a personal property inventory and filing an insurance claim.

IRS Help for California Wildfire Victims

If you own property damaged by fire in the presidential disaster areas, you may claim uninsured or unreimbursed disaster losses by filing an amended 2006 tax return or you may wait and claim any losses on your 2007 return. Individuals and businesses are eligible for these options. The IRS also has posted an FAQ for disaster victims. (posted Oct. 25, 2007)

FTB Tax Relief for Southern California Fire Victims
The FTB has announced several relief measures for the victims of wildfires in seven Southern California counties (Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Orange, Riverside and San Diego) and will allow victims to receive additional tax refunds this year by immediately reporting their disaster losses through amended 2006 returns. (posted Oct. 24, 2007)

California Insurance Commissioner Declares Insurance Emergency

Insurance adjusters expedited to Southern California to quicken recovery by local residents and businesses. (posted Oct. 24, 2007)

Tax Relief for Counties Affected by Southern California Wildfires
Emergency tax relief is available in the counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Santa Barbara and Ventura due to wildfires. Tax relief may include extending filing return dates, relieving penalties and interest or replacing copies of records lost to fire damage. (posted Oct. 23, 2007)

IRS Disaster Relief Resource Center for Tax Professionals
This site provides resources and assistance to the payroll and practitioner community, including IRS publications and links to IRS partners who may offer additional assistance.

FTB: Claiming a Disaster Related Loss
Instructions on how to claim (on a California tax return) a casualty loss from a disaster that occurred in an area declared a disaster by the president of the United States.

AICPA's Updated Disaster/Casualty Loss Tax Practice Guide
The AICPA Tax Section has updated its Casualty Loss Practice Guide to assist practitioners in dealing with certain tax problems that arise when a client is affected by a natural disaster or other loss situation.

Disaster Relief: Volunteer Before Disaster Strikes
Volunteer for CalCPA's disaster recovery program before disaster strikes by updating your personal profile.

Disaster Tax Tips: Roadmap of Changes to Tax Code
These disaster-related tax tips can help reduce burdens on disaster victims--and ensure that the CPAs advising them achieve the desired tax results.

Sifting Through the Rubble: Disaster Losses & Gains [PDF]
This guide details Sec. 1033, PLRs and Revenue Rulings issued by the IRS addressing some of the questions raised by the Oakland firestorm.

Disaster Resources From the Red Cross
The American Red Cross provides information on shelter locations, information on affected areas and disaster safety information. The Red Cross hotline is (866) 438-4636. You can register online for services from your local Red Cross Chapter.