News Release

Contact: Office of Public Affairs
1-916-327-8988
For Immediate Release
June 30, 2016
NR 56-16-R

Emergency Tax Relief Available for Business Owners Affected by Erskine Fire in Kern County

Sacramento – The Board of Equalization (BOE) announced today that business owners and tax and feepayers affected by the Erskine Fire in Kern County may request extensions to file their returns, ask for relief from penalties and/or interest for some taxes and fees, or to replace copies of records lost or damaged.

Emergency tax or fee relief is available from the BOE for business owners and tax and feepayers directly affected by disasters declared as state of emergencies. Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. issued an emergency proclamation for Kern County on Friday, June 24, due to the effects of the Erskine Fire, which has claimed multiple lives, displaced thousands of people and burned thousands of acres.

"People should not have to worry about taxes during this horrible tragedy," said BOE Member George Runner. "We're doing everything we can to provide relief to those affected."

Requesting Relief
Tax and feepayers for the programs below can go online to request relief from penalties and/or interest, and an extension of time to file their tax or fee returns. They, as well as payers of the Timber Yield Tax and Prepaid Mobile Telephony Services (MTS) Surcharge, may also call the BOE Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-800-400-7115 (TTY: 711), Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Pacific Time), for assistance requesting relief.

  • Sales and Use Taxes
  • Fire Prevention Fee
  • Alcoholic Beverage Taxes
  • Cigarettes and Tobacco Products Taxes and Licensing
  • Energy Resources Surcharge
  • Emergency Telephone Users Surcharge
  • Natural Gas Surcharge
  • Water Rights Fee
  • Fuel Taxes (Diesel Fuel Tax, Interstate User Tax, Use Fuel Tax, Motor Vehicle Fuel Tax, Aircraft Jet Fuel)
  • Underground Storage Tank Maintenance Fee
  • Oil Spill Prevention and Administration Fee; Oil Spill Response Fee
  • Lumber Products Assessment
  • Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Fee
  • Integrated Waste Management Fee
  • Occupational Lead Poisoning Prevention Fee
  • Electronic Waste Recycling (eWaste) Fee
  • Marine Invasive Species Fee (Ballast Water Management Fee)
  • California Tire Fee
  • Hazardous Substances Fees (Environmental Fee, Activity Fee, Generator Fee, Disposal Fee, Facility Fee)

This video (in English and Spanish) has more information on relief requests.


George Runner represents the State Board of Equalization's First District and is a leading advocate for California taxpayers. Prior to being elected to the BOE, Runner served in the State Legislature where he authored California's Amber Alert and Blue Alert. As a member of the Senate Revenue and Taxation committee, he led the fight against tax increases and supported tax relief for all Californians. A thoughtful conservative, Runner's priorities include improving the economy, business growth, education excellence, and public safety for all Californians.

The five-member California State Board of Equalization (BOE) is a publicly elected tax board. The BOE collects $60.5 billion annually in taxes and fees supporting state and local government services. It hears business tax appeals, acts as the appellate body for franchise and personal income tax appeals, and serves a significant role in the assessment and administration of property taxes. For more information on other taxes and fees, visit the California Tax Service Center.

Note: This news release may discuss complex tax laws and concepts. It may not address every situation, and is not considered written advice under Revenue and Taxation Code section 6596. Changes in law or regulations may have occurred since the time this news release was written. If there is a conflict between the text of this news release and the law, decisions will be based upon the law and not this news release. For specific help, please contact the BOE at 1-800-400-7115