San Diego County businesses impacted by recent storms may qualify for relief

SACRAMENTO - San Diego County businesses impacted by the recent storms may qualify for various fee and penalty waivers, state officials announced Tuesday.

The California Board of Equalization approved a temporary relief program under which proprietors who suffered damage or major interruptions to their business can apply to be spared fees, interest charges and other penalties that

might otherwise accrue for not submitting their quarterly tax payments to the state on time.

Applicants may also be exempt from paying for copies of tax records.

``We wanted to provide some sunshine to businesses that were seriously affected by the recent storms,'' said BOE member Diane Harkey, who represents the Fourth Equalization District, encompassing Riverside, Imperial and San

Diego counties, as well as portions of San Bernardino County.

``Our offices are here to help those impacted by the severe storms and our staff (will) discuss options on filing extensions and waiving interest and penalties,'' she said.

Business owners eligible to apply for relief include those who sell fuel, electronics, tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, lumber and tires, as well as those engaged in transactions that incur waste disposal and recycling

fees.

Qualifying businesses must be located in Imperial, Kern, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego counties -- per an emergency declaration issued last week by the state following flash floods, mudslides and

lightning-sparked fires produced by the remnants of Hurricane Delores.

The Riverside County Board of Supervisors declared a local emergency after the Interstate 10 bridge at Tex Wash collapsed on July 19, prompting the closure of a 44-mile section of the transcontinental artery.

Anyone interested in learning more about the relief program should call (800) 400-7115, or visit

http://www.boe.ca.gov/elecsrv/esrvcont.htm?boe=1903%23page=Request_Relief .