Resources

California Wildfire Resource Guide: Financial Recovery & Assistance
Provided by The Onyx CPA Team
The recent wildfires in Los Angeles have touched so many lives. To support our clients and community, we’ve gathered some essential resources to help you navigate recovery, financial assistance, tax relief, and insurance claims. You’re not alone.
Real-time Alerts
Wildfire Recovery in California
Recovering from a wildfire involves many steps, from ensuring safety to rebuilding. These resources can help:
Los Angeles County Disaster Recovery Toolkit (DCBA Toolkit): A guide to navigating post-disaster challenges, including financial and legal assistance.
LA City Emergency Management Department (Recovery Resources): Information on rebuilding, housing, and emergency aid programs.
Financial Assistance
Financial relief is available through government programs and private organizations.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Offers disaster relief funds and housing assistance. Visit www.fema.gov.
Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loans: Low-interest loans for homeowners, renters, and businesses affected by wildfires. More info at www.sba.gov.
California Disaster Assistance Programs: Check state-specific financial aid options at www.cdss.ca.gov.
Tax Relief
Wildfire victims may qualify for tax relief, including deadline extensions and deductions for disaster losses.
IRS Disaster Tax Relief: The IRS may provide deadline extensions and deductions for disaster-related losses—more details at www.irs.gov.
California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) Relief: State tax relief for wildfire victims. Learn more at www.ftb.ca.gov.
Claiming Disaster Losses: If you’ve suffered property losses, you may be able to deduct them on your federal and state tax returns. Consult with a tax professional for guidance.
Business License Relief: Businesses in zip codes 90049, 90272, and 90402 get an automatic tax filing extension until April 14, 2025, with no form required.
Businesses in other areas impacted by wildfires must submit a form for an extension. (Wildfire Extension Request)
Property Tax Relief: Governor Newsom extends state property tax deadlines for LA firestorm communities until April 2026 | Governor of California
Expanded IRA Distribution Options for Disaster Victims: The SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 allows qualified retirement plans, individual retirement arrangements (IRAs), and retirement plan loans to be distributed to individuals affected by federally declared major disasters.
Insurance Claims
Navigating insurance claims after a wildfire can be complex. These resources can help streamline the process:
Government Emergency Response – Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, followed by President Biden’s Major Disaster Declaration to support wildfire response and recovery efforts.
Insurance Protections for Homeowners – California law mandates that insurers cannot cancel or refuse to renew policies in fire-affected areas for one year, must offer policy renewals for at least 24 months after a total loss, and provide a 60-day grace period for premium payments.
Request for Additional Insurance Support – The Insurance Commissioner is urging all property insurers to pause pending nonrenewals and cancellations for at least six months from January 7, 2025, to help affected homeowners focus on recovery and rebuilding.
California Department of Insurance (CDI): Provides consumer assistance for claims and disputes.
Understanding Your Policy: Review your homeowners or business insurance policy to understand coverage for wildfire-related damage.
Working with Adjusters: Keep records of all communications and document damages thoroughly to ensure a smoother claims process.
Emotional & Community Support
Recovering from a wildfire is a long journey, and feeling overwhelmed is completely normal. If you're struggling, know that support is available. See the resources below for additional ways you can support yourself and others during this time:
Mental Health and Stress After An Emergency (LACDMH / DPH)
Disaster Distress Helpline at 800-985-5990
CalHOPE Warmline at 833-317-4673
Crisis Text Line by texting LA to 741741
Resources for Parents and Children:
Children & Recovery from Wildfires – guide that goes through potential reactions and helpful responses according to kids’ age groups
Helping children after a wildfire: Tips for caregivers and teachers (National Association of School Psychologists, 2023).
Parent Guidelines for Helping Children Impacted by Wildfires (National Child Traumatic Stress Network)
Wildfire Resources (NCTSN)
How to Talk to Your Children About the California Wildfires and Other Natural Disasters (Parents Magazine, 2025)
BE PREPARED (UCLA COE) – Tipsheet to support parents in speaking with their kids about difficult situations
Coping After a Natural Disaster (Zero to Three) – Resource for parents of babies and toddlers
Coping with Trauma and Stress in the Face of Wildfires: Tips for Early Childhood Educators (Zero to Three) – Resource for Early Childhood Educators
Need Assistance?
If you need personalized financial guidance during wildfire recovery, our team is here to help.
Contact us for support navigating relief programs, tax filings, and financial planning during this challenging time.