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Type: In the News

Southern California Wildfires Resources for Those Impacted

Current Emergency Incidents

Ongoing emergency responses in California, including all 10+ acre wildfires.

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1. Federal Assistance

  • FEMA Individual Assistance Program: Provides grants for temporary housing, home repairs, and other disaster-related expenses.
  • How to Apply:
    • Visit DisasterAssistance.gov.
    • Phone: Call FEMA’s toll-free number at 1-800-621-3362
    • Required Information:
      • Social Security number
      • Insurance information
      • Damage description
      • Bank account details for direct deposit

2. State Assistance

  • California Disaster Assistance Act (CDAA):
    • Offers financial aid for disaster-related costs.
    • Contact: California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES)
    • Phone: (916) 845-8110
    • Email: RecoveryPayments@caloes.ca.gov

3. Nonprofit Organizations

  • California Fire Foundation’s Supplying Aid to Victims of Emergency (SAVE) Program:
    • Provides $250 cash cards to eligible victims for immediate needs.
    • How to Access: Distributed through local fire departments. Contact your local fire
      department to inquire about availability.
  • California Fire Foundation Disaster Relief: Offers financial assistance to communities affected
    by wildfires. Visit California Fire Foundation Disaster Relief.

4. New LA County Map Offers Wildfire Victims Real-Time Updates on Property Damage

  • Los Angeles County launched a website providing a lifeline for residents affected by the wildfires, offering real-time updates on the status of their homes and properties. Recovery.lacounty.gov/palisades-fire allows users to input their address to see photos and a detailed assessment of their property’s condition.

5. Small Business Administration (SBA)

  • Disaster Loans-Home Disaster Loans: Low-interest loans for homeowners to repair or replace damaged property.
  • Visit SBA Disaster Assistance.
  • Call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955.

6. Local Resources

  • Disaster Help Center – California Department of Social Services:
  • Provides various services, including assistance with replacing lost documents and connecting with local aid. Visit Disaster Help Center.

7. Community Support-Local Assistance Centers (LACs)

  • Set up in affected areas to provide in-person support and resources.
    • Monitor local news outlets for announcements.
    • Contact local government offices for locations and hours
  • Important Considerations:
    • Application Deadlines: Be aware of and adhere to deadlines for each assistance
      program.
    • Documentation: Maintain thorough records of all communications, applications, and
      expenses related to your recovery efforts.

Resources from Meryl Suissa

Founder, Marshall Fire Community FB Group

 Helpful Insurance Filing Tips 

1. Work directly with your insurance company 

  • Filing an insurance claim can be a lengthy process, so contact your insurance carrier/agent immediately, or use the mobile app and online portal provided by the insurance company 
  • Verify claim-filing requirements and deadlines 

2. You may get offer of assistance from third-party adjusters

  • Third-party adjusters are not allowed to solicit claims right away 
  • The payments would come out of a resident’s claim settlement; once an individual contracts with a public adjuster, they will no longer be able to work directly with their insurance company. 

3. California regulations require insurers to immediately pay at least one-third of the estimated value of personal belongings and four months’ worth of local rent

4. Document all damages thoroughly, including taking photos/videos, creating detailed inventory of damaged items, and if possible, keep damaged items for inspection by an adjuster

5. Keep all receipts for out-of-pocket expenses including temporary lodging

6. FEMA disaster assistance is available, as President Biden has approved a Major Disaster Declaration for LA country, making federal funding available to affected individuals. FEMA assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and money for food and essentials.

  • Visit fema.gov/assistance/individual/program 
  • Use the FEMA mobile app 
  • Call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) 

LA Times: If You Lost Your Home or Business in the Wildfires, Here’s What To Do Next

News

IRS: California wildfire victims qualify for tax relief; various deadlines postponed to Oct. 15

The Internal Revenue Service announced today tax relief for individuals and businesses in southern California affected by wildfires and straight-line winds that began on Jan. 7, 2025.

These taxpayers now have until Oct. 15, 2025, to file various federal individual and business tax returns and make tax payments.

The IRS is offering relief to any area designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Currently, individuals and households that reside or have a business in Los Angeles County qualify for tax relief.

The same relief will be available to any other counties added later to the disaster area. The current list of eligible localities is always available on the Tax relief in disaster situations page on IRS.gov.

Read more: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-california-wildfire-victims-qualify-for-tax-relief-various-deadlines-postponed-to-oct-15

Contact Us for More Information


MGO Partner Discusses Cannabis Tax Challenges on ‘This is Supercritical’ Podcast

MGO Tax Partner Barbara Webb recently joined Supercritical co-founder Kerry Jordan on the This Is Supercritical podcast for an eye-opening conversation on the tax and accounting challenges facing cannabis businesses. From navigating IRS Code 280E to uncovering true business ownership and preparing for IRS audits, Barbara shared invaluable insights every cannabis operator should hear.

This Is Supercritical is a podcast “where experience, equity, and expertise come together to extract the essence of what’s happening in the cannabis industry today”. Barbara appears on season one, episode nine of the podcast titled “Tax and Accounting Considerations”. You can access the episode on all the standard podcast platforms — including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more. You can also watch the video version of the episode here.

Two MGO Partners Named Top Business Managers by The Hollywood Reporter 

We are pleased to share that Business Management Partners John Blakeman, CPA, and Anna Levin, CPA, and were both selected by The Hollywood Reporter for inclusion on the list of Hollywood’s Top Business Managers of 2023.  

As part of the MGO Entertainment, Sports, and Media team, John and Anna provide business management and financial guidance to some of the most creative individuals in the entertainment industry — including actors, writers, producers, and directors. MGO has served as trusted business and financial advisors to visionary creatives, athletes, and musicians for more than 40 years. 

MGO offers a full suite of financial and lifestyle solutions to leaders in Entertainment, Sports, and Media, including: 

  • Business Management 
  • Specialty Advisory Services 
  • Tax Planning and Structuring 
  • Financial Lifestyle Design 

The Hollywood Reporter profile recognizes the work John and Anna have done this year to help clients navigate the “economic shock” of the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, which required preparation, planning, and unique financial strategies. The Hollywood Reporter publishes the annual list of top managers to spotlight the industry’s leading professionals handling personal finances for celebrities and entertainers. 

Read the full Hollywood Reporter piece here