Recovering from the devastating effects of wildfires is a challenging journey, but proactive steps can help your business regain stability and recover faster. This checklist provides actionable guidance to address critical areas like insurance claims, crisis planning and tax relief. Use it as a roadmap to navigate immediate priorities and long-term rebuilding efforts.
File your insurance claim. Business interruption insurance covers most loss of profits — even if your building doesn’t burn down. Contingent business interruption insurance should also be considered. Visit California Department of Insurance Wildfire Resources for guidance.
Review ways to streamline your claim process.
Document conversations. Maintain a “claim diary” to log all insurer interactions. Ask for policy references when exclusions or limits are cited.
Document business losses. Compile detailed records of damages to property, equipment and inventory to support your insurance claims. Include photos, receipts and valuation reports.
Seek assistance. Call the California Department of Insurance at 1-800-927-4357 or file a complaint online for guidance.
Crisis Planning & Continuity
Update business records. Inform suppliers, clients and partners about any disruptions. Update your business address or contact details if temporarily relocated.
Stay abreast of the Tax Year 2025 Los Angeles Business Tax renewal, which is due by February 28, 2025.
All businesses with physical locations within ZIP codes 90402, 90272 and 90049 will be granted automatic extension to renew their license until April 14, 2025.
Any taxpayer with a business located outside the above ZIP codes but whose business was interrupted as a direct result of the fires may be granted an extension as well, provided that a written request, including reasonable proof of the interruption, is sent to the Office of Finance before the February 28, 2025 renewal deadline. Submit a written request here.
Businesses will be notified when the extension request is received and whether it has been approved.
Recovering from the impact of wildfires is overwhelming, but taking the right steps now can make a big difference in getting your business back on track. Use this checklist as a starting point, and remember, you don’t have to go it alone. Contact our disaster response team via the contact form below to get expert help on your insurance, business and tax questions.
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Not sure where to start? We can help you pick up the pieces, no matter what challenges you’re facing. Complete the form to talk with an Armanino expert and start on the right path to post-fire recovery.
