California Tax Deadline Extension 2024: What You Need to Know

Taxpayers in certain parts of California who have been affected by severe storms have been granted a tax deadline extension by the IRS. 

This extension applies to the 2023 tax returns normally due on Tax Day, April 15, 2024. As a result, individuals and businesses in the affected areas now have until June 17, 2024, to file various federal tax returns and make payments.

The IRS is offering this tax deadline relief to individuals and businesses residing or operating in disaster-stricken regions of San Diego County. However, the IRS could add additional California localities later. This extension applies to areas designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

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Here is more of what you need to know.

California tax extension deadline 2024

The California tax deadline extension covers tax filing and payment deadlines initially falling between January 21, 2024, and June 17, 2024. Affected taxpayers in San Diego County have until June 17, 2024, to fulfill their tax obligations, including filing federal tax returns and making payments initially due during this period.

The extended filing deadline impacts several other tax obligations, including contributions to IRAs and health savings accounts (HSAs), estimated tax payments, payroll and excise tax returns, partnership and corporation returns, and tax-exempt organization returns. 

The IRS disaster relief page on its website provides details on eligible returns, payments, and tax-related actions. Also, see Kiplinger's report: States With IRS Tax Deadline Extensions.

• Taxpayers with IRS addresses located in the disaster area will automatically receive filing and penalty relief without contacting the agency. 
• However, those facing unique circumstances, such as moving to the disaster area after filing their return, may receive penalty notices and should contact the IRS to have penalties waived.
• Also, if you live outside the designated disaster area but require relief because records are in the affected region, you should contact the IRS for assistance.

It's important to note that while the extension grants additional time for filing, taxpayers still need to request extensions beyond June 17, 2024, electronically by April 15, 2024. Requests filed between April 15 and June 17, 2024, can only be submitted on paper. Regardless of the method, taxpayers must file until October 15, 2024, with payments still due by June 17, 2024.

California state tax return status

San Diego County taxpayers affected by severe storms and flooding also have state tax deadline relief from the California Franchise Tax Board (FTB). 

• Residents and businesses in San Diego County now have until June 17, 2024, to file certain California state individual and business tax returns and make tax payments originally due between January 21 and June 17, 2024. 
• However, state payments initially scheduled for June 17, 2024, remain unchanged.

This extension applies to various tax obligations, including individual tax returns due on April 15, 2024, quarterly estimated tax payments, business entity returns usually due in March and April 2024, pass-through entity (PTE) elective tax payments, and tax-exempt organization returns normally due on May 15, 2024.

How to pay California state tax 

To pay your California state tax (if you owe), you can visit the California FTB website. There, you will find information about various payment methods, like paying by credit card, check, or money order, or directly from your bank account. The website also provides options for electronic funds transfer and payment plans. 

Claiming disaster losses in California

California’s Franchise Tax Board (FTB) provides information for residents in storm-impacted areas who need to claim disaster losses. 

• Taxpayers should include the name of the disaster in blue or black at the top of their state tax return, according to the FTB. 
• Those who file electronically will answer a question when prompted by tax software and enter the disaster information accordingly.

The FTB says that affected taxpayers can claim the losses on original and amended returns for the 2023 tax year.

To claim disaster losses on your federal tax return, generally, the losses must be related to your home, household items, and vehicles and be caused by a federally declared disaster, according to the IRS. 

However, you cannot deduct disaster losses that are covered by insurance unless you file for reimbursement on time and reduce your claimed losses by the amount you were reimbursed. 

If you have disaster losses and are not sure how to claim them on your tax return, it's a good idea to consult a qualified tax professional.

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