Tax Board Offers Help to Sand Fire Victims

The California Board of Equalization is offering business owners affected by the Sand Fire that swept through Santa Clarita last week extensions to file their tax returns, penalty relief and replacement copies of lost or damaged records. The board will host a local assistance center for affected residents at 24151 Newhall Ave. from August 5 through 8. At the location, residents will be able to talk to staff about recovery assistance and replacing government documents. “People should not have to worry about taxes during this horrible tragedy,” George Runner, a member of the Board of Equalization, said in a statement. “We’re doing everything we can to provide relief to those affected.” Starting on July 22, the Sand Fire burned over 41,000 acres, destroyed 18 homes and killed one person.