Today I would like to discuss the deductions for Casualty and Theft Losses that may help lower your tax bill.  A Casualty Loss is the damage, destruction, or loss of property resulting from a recognizable event.  This inlcudes, but is not limited to, Fire, Tornados, Hurricanes, Flooding etc.  A casualty is sudden, unexpected and unusual.  A Theft Loss is the taking and removing of money or property with the intent to deprive the owner of it.  It must be illegal under the state law, and done with criminal intent.

Examples of Deductible Losses:

1. Blackmail
2. Burglary
3. Car Accident
4. Earthquake
5. Embezzlement
6. Extortion
7. Fire
8. Flood
9. Hurricane
10. Kidnapping for Ransom
11. Larceny
12. Mine Cave-In
13. Robbery
14. Shipwreck
15. Sonic Boom
16. Storm
17. Terrorist Attack
18. Tornado
19. Vandalism
20. Volcanic Eruption

Examples of Nondeductible Losses:

1. Accidental Breakage under normal condition
2. Burst water heater, note that the damage caused by the burst water heater is a casualty
3. Car rental while your vehicle is being repaired
4. Cost for protection against future casualties
5. Cost for personal injury
6. Damage caused by a family pet
7. Defective design or workmanship
8. Losses caused by willful act or negligence
9. Lost money or property
10. Normal wear and tear
11. Personal use losses caused by drought
12. Progessive damage to property
13. Sentimental Value

There are a few cases where a nondeductible loss can become a deductible loss.  One example, the corrosive damage caused by defective drywall installed in homes between 2001 and 2009. See your tax professional if you think you may qualify for a casualty or theft loss of items not listed.

When claiming the loss there are a few deduction limits to be aware of:  

• 2% Rule:  The casualty and theft loss deduction for employee property must be reduced by 2% of adjusted gross income.
• $100 Rule:  Reduce eash loss event by $100
• 10% Rule:  Reduce the total of all casualty or theft losses by 10% of adjusted gross income.  This rule is applied after reducing each loss by $100.

Your casualty or Theft Loss must be reduced by any and all insurance reimbursements received and is the lesser of your cost or basis in the property or the reduction in the fair market value  due to the loss.  Form 4684 is used to claim a loss and then transfered to form 1040 schedule A.

There are special rules for losses in a Federally Declared Disaster Area.  See you tax professional for specific information on Casualty and Theft losses for your situation.

As always, Excel Tax and Consulting Services is here to help lower your taxes accurately.  Call or Stop by today.