Tax and financial advice from the Silicon Valley expert.

Tax tips and developments relating to individuals

Tax relief for Los Angeles fire victims

The IRS has announce tax relief for individuals and businesses in Los Angeles county affected by wildfires and heavy winds that began January 7, 2025.

Their filing deadline for 2024 income tax returns has been extended to October 15, 2025.

Various tax filings and payment deadlines for returns and payments due from January 7, 2025 through October 15, 2025 have also been postponed to October 15, 2025.

Here’s a link to the news release, IR-2025-10. https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-california-wildfire-victims-qualify-for-tax-relief-various-deadlines-postponed-to-oct-15

Here’s a link to the IRS tax relief in disaster situations page, including other U.S. disasters. https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-relief-in-disaster-situations

Governor Newsom has announced the Franchise Tax Board will also postpone filing and payment dates for 2024 income tax returns to October 15, 2025 for taxpayers located in Los Angeles County. Here’s a link to that announcement. https://www.gov.ca.gov/2025/01/11/california-provides-tax-relief-for-those-affected-by-los-angeles-wildfires/ Here is a link to the Franchise Tax Board’s announcement. https://www.ftb.ca.gov/about-ftb/newsroom/news-releases/2025-01-emergency-tax-relief-for-los-angeles-county-fires.html

The Employment Development Department has announced a 60-day extension of time to file California state payroll tax reports and make payroll tax deposits for employers in Los Angeles and Ventura counties. The extension is not automatic; it must be requested. Here’s a link to the announcement. https://edd.ca.gov/en/about_edd/news_releases_and_announcements/california-supports-southern-california-communities-impacted-by-the-state-of-emergency-and-provides-relief-for-workers-and-businesses/

The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) (sales and use tax) has also announced a 60-day extension of time to file California sales and use tax reports and make tax deposits for businesses in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. The extension is not automatic; it must be requested. Here’s a link to the CDTFA’s tax relief page. https://www.cdtfa.ca.gov/services/state-of-emergency-tax-relief.htm

Should a surviving spouse roll over an inherited retirement account?

When someone passes away is one time it's essential to consult with an estate planning lawyer, a tax advisor like a CPA or enrolled agent, and possibly a financial planner.

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Final regulations issued for Required Minimum Distributions

The IRS has issued final regulations (TD 1001) and proposed regulations (REG-103529-23) relating to Required Minimum Distributions from traditional and Roth qualified retirement plans, including Section 401(k) plans, and IRAs.

The regulations explain the rules for required minimum distributions under the SECURE Act of 2019 and SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022.

The final regulations are mostly the same as previously-issued proposed regulations with some minor changes in response to comments received by the IRS.

Notably, the final regulations didn’t change a controversial rule in previously-issued proposed regulations requiring that distributions be made annually when the plan participant dies after the required beginning date and annual required minimum distributions already applied during their lifetime. (This rule doesn’t apply to Roth account participants, because there is no required beginning date during their lifetimes.)

In most cases, that means when a plan participant dies after the required beginning date and annual required minimum distributions already applied during their lifetime, life expectancy distributions continue for the next nine years and the balance of the account is distributed during the tenth year after death. See your tax advisor for exceptions for “eligible designated beneficiaries” (including the surviving spouse) and non-designated beneficiaries.

See your tax advisor about how the new regulations apply for you and your family.

Market-based sourcing means tax headaches for service sole proprietors

Businesses that have service income from customers located outside of their state of residence should be alert they may be taxable in another state without having any physical presence, property, or employees in the state. For businesses located in California that are sole proprietorships, this is an even more serious problem.

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California FTB follows IRS with November 16 due date as California storm relief

The California Franchise Tax Board announced the evening of October 16, 2023 it is following the IRS by adopting a November 16, 2023 due date for 2022 income tax returns and payments for taxpayers who previously qualified for the October 16, 2023 due date. The relief applies to 55 of 58 California counties.

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At the last minute, IRS further extends 2022 filing and payment date for California storm victims

For residents of 55 of California's 58 counties that previously qualified for extended filing relief, the IRS has announced TODAY the tax-filing and tax-payment deadline has been further extended to November 16, 2023.

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Tax and financial advice from the Silicon Valley expert.