{"id":100,"date":"2010-05-14T17:24:00","date_gmt":"2010-05-14T17:24:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/stevendevtest.wordpress.com\/2010\/05\/14\/casualty-losses-for-flood-victims"},"modified":"2010-05-14T17:24:00","modified_gmt":"2010-05-14T17:24:00","slug":"casualty-losses-for-flood-victims","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vhfinancialmanagement.com\/2010\/05\/14\/casualty-losses-for-flood-victims","title":{"rendered":"Casualty Losses for Flood Victims"},"content":{"rendered":"
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There has been much discussion regarding the tax benefits available to flood victims here in middle Tennessee. The discussions have also created a good bit of confusion. While the information provided has delivered general guidance, this guidance can lead to costly confusion.<\/p>\n

The tax benefits available are through a provision titled Casually and Theft Losses. A casualty loss is generally taken as an itemized deduction, but can be utilized without itemizing for tax year 2009. The loss is not equal to a tax credit. The loss will reduce taxable income; therefore, the amount of loss will generally create a savings equal to the loss amount times the taxpayers marginal tax rate. Example, a taxpayer in the 25% bracket showing a $1000 casualty loss will produce $250.00 in tax savings. While the tax savings can be beneficial and even substantial, casualty losses are not easy to understand for most people.

The Nuts and Bolts of Casualty Losses<\/strong><\/p>\n

The IRS definition of a casualty loss is the damage, destruction, or loss of property resulting from an identifiable event that is sudden, unexpected, or unusual. Here in Middle TN, the identifiable event was the flood of May 2nd. Losses attributable to the flood can be considered for tax purposes, but the valuation of the loss is complicated.<\/p>\n

Caution- technical content follows!<\/p>\n

To determine the loss the IRS states there are three steps:
1. Determine the adjusted basis in the property before the casualty or theft.
2. Determine the decrease in the fair market value (FMV) of the property as a result of the casualty or theft.
3. Use the smaller of #1 or #2 and then reduce that by any insurance or other reimbursement received or expected to be received.<\/p>\n

Got it? Clear as mud, right? Let\u2019s use an example to break this down.<\/p>\n

If a taxpayer loses a car due to a flood, the taxpayer must use the lower of the adjusted basis (what was paid) or the decrease in the fair market value of the car. If the taxpayer originally purchased the car for $20,000 in 2008 but the fair market value (the value of an identical used car) is now $10,000, the taxpayer will use the $10,000 value for the casualty loss. NOTE: Remember the value of the loss is either adjusted basis or the decrease in the FMV\u2026..not replacement cost. In the example above, the taxpayer cannot use the purchase price of a new car as the casualty loss value! Again, a casualty loss should not spur the taxpayer to over purchase with the thought of increasing the casualty loss.<\/p>\n

The loss must then be reduced by any reimbursements. If the taxpayer received $6000 from an insurance claim on the car, the casualty loss is now down to $4000.<\/p>\n

Once the valuation of the loss is determined there are additional steps to take
to finalize this tax benefit. Based on the current tax picture there are two years (2009 and 2010) in which the losses can be applied, and each year creates different tax situations. 2009, based on current tax law, offers a better bang for the buck, at least in most situations. The difference is in the details.<\/p>\n

Most casualty losses are subject to a 10% of Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) floor, as well as an additional reduction. For 2009 the reduction is $500, but in 2010 the reduction is only $100. Example, a family with an AGI of $100,000 will normally have a $10,000 threshold to overcome, along with the subtraction amount, before any losses can be used. But often disaster area victims receive a nice break from Congress by removing the 10% of AGI threshold. As of this writing, the 10% of AGI floor is removed for folks in federally declared disaster areas for the tax year 2009\u2026.BUT NOT FOR 2010. Pretty confusing, right?<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s pick up the example from above. The taxpayer has a choice to amend their 2009 return or capture the loss in 2010. By amending the 2009 tax return, the taxpayer will not have the 10% of AGI floor, but will be subject to a $500 reduction. In 2010, the taxpayer will be subject to a 10% AGI floor and a $100 reduction. Let\u2019s continue through this example assuming the taxpayer is in the 25% tax bracket with $100,000 of AGI.<\/p>\n

2009 <\/strong>
Loss from car = $4000.00
AGI threshold= none
Reduction= $500
Total Loss Applicable=$3500 ($4000 -$500)
Tax savings created = $875 ($3500 x 25%) <\/p>\n

2010<\/strong>
Loss from car = $4000.00
AGI Threshold = $10,000
Reduction = $100
Tax Loss Applicable = $0 (loss doesn\u2019t cross threshold)
Tax Savings created = $0<\/p>\n

Why it might be wise to be patient<\/strong><\/p>\n

In the above example it\u2019s quite clear which is the best choice, but patience MAY add another option. Congress usually makes changes in the tax code later in the year. One change that could make a difference would be AGI threshold removal for 2010. I am certainly not suggesting they will\u2026only stating it might be possible. If this does occur it gives the taxpayer an option. The taxpayer could then choose to take the loss in the year it which it makes the most sense. This would be extremely valuable for a taxpayer whose tax bracket is different in the two years. The taxpayer would choose the year of the higher tax bracket. Therefore, a larger percentage of the loss ends back in the pocket of the taxpayer. The benefit of waiting may present options. These options will become clear over time.<\/p>\n

What to do in the meantime <\/strong>

<\/strong>Some of the most important steps that a flood victim can do at this time in regards to casualty losses are:
1. Take pictures of damaged property, as well as find pictures prior to the flood.
2. Store those pictures in a safe place\u2026maybe even electronically store them
3. Document losses- take notes and create a very detailed inventory (remember items such as trees are applicable as well)
4. Don\u2019t make purchase decision based misconceptions (replacement value does not create a tax deduction).
5. Be patient \u2013 the deadline to file this particular amended return is April 2011, so there is no rush. Make sure that all losses are accounted for.<\/p>\n

While the tax code creates an opportunity for those of us that have been impacted by the flood, this opportunity is very detailed and confusing. A rushed or hurried decision could be the wrong one. If a taxpayer is in real need of funding to rebuild, the amended 2009 return may be the only choice. Whatever decision is made, the tax payer should consult a tax professional to assist with the details.<\/p>\n

The opinions expressed in this article are intended as general guidance only and are not intended as recommendations for specific situations. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) rules of practice require me to inform you that any tax advice included in this communication is not intended to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of avoiding any tax penalties imposed by the IRS.<\/p>\n

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