Disaster Recovery

2025 Wildfires

CalCPA is here to help.

As the fires in Southern California continue to impact our community, CalCPA extends our heartfelt support to you, your families and your colleagues during this challenging time. We understand the stress and uncertainty this situation may bring, and we want to assure you that we are here to help.

Both CalCPA and AICPA offer benevolent funds to assist members facing temporary crises or hardships. Click below to learn more or make a tax-deductible contribution.

For all California Board of Accountancy (CBA) licensees and applicants affected by the recent wildfires in the Los Angeles area, the CBA is offering several options to assist you during this difficult time.

You can also visit ca.gov/LAfires for additional resources and announcements, CalOES for a list of recovery resources and the Red Cross wildfire relief for additional resources.

Video Series

Disaster Recovery Series

In the wake of the devastating 2025 LA County wildfires, understanding the path to financial and tax recovery is more important than ever. This four-part Disaster Recovery Series provides clear, practical guidance for individuals and businesses navigating loss, rebuilding, and accessing critical relief.

This series arms you with knowledge, practical strategies, and clarity in a time of uncertainty, helping you recover, rebuild, and move forward with confidence.

Jump to an episode: Episode 1 | Episode 2 | Episode 3 | Episode 4

Episode 1: Understanding Personal Casualty Losses & Gains

Speaker:
Andrew Pitt, CPA | Partner at GHJ

Learn how the IRS defines casualty losses, how to calculate them, and when unexpected “casualty gains” may occur — with real examples tied to the 2025 wildfires.

Episode 2: Tax Relief & Rebuilding After a Disaster

Speaker:
Andrew Pitt, CPA | Partner, GHJ

Explore vital tax relief provisions, deadline extensions, and powerful strategies such as claiming losses on a prior year’s return or deferring gains under Sections 121 and 1033.

Episode 3: Financial Recovery & Immediate Funding Options

Speaker:
Danielle Grimshaw, CPA | Senior Tax Manager, GHJ

Discover immediate financial lifelines, including penalty-free retirement plan withdrawals, expanded loan options, tax-free disaster relief payments, and strategic Roth conversions.

Episode 4: Understanding Disaster Declarations & State-Specific Relief

Speakers:
Danielle Grimshaw, CPA | Senior Tax Manager, GHJ

Unpack the differences between federal and state disaster declarations, learn about new relief under the OBBB Act, and explore the often-overlooked state-level programs that can provide crucial support.