Publication 584-B (10/2017), Business Casualty, Disaster, and Theft Loss Workbook

Revised: October 2017


Publication 584-B - Introductory Material

What’s New

Disaster tax relief was enacted for those impacted by Hurricane Harvey, Irma, or Maria, including provisions that modified the calculation of casualty and theft losses of personal-use property. See Pub. 976, Disaster Relief, for more information about these and other disaster tax relief provisions that may not be covered in this publication.

Reminders

Future developments. For the latest information about developments related to Pub. 584-B, such as legislation enacted after it was published, go to IRS.gov/Pub584B.

Photographs of missing children. The Internal Revenue Service is a proud partner with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children® (NCMEC). Photographs of missing children selected by the Center may appear in this publication on pages that would otherwise be blank. You can help bring these children home by looking at the photographs and calling 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) if you recognize a child.

Introduction

This workbook is designed to help you figure your loss on business and income-producing property in the event of a disaster, casualty, or theft. It contains schedules to help you figure the loss to your office furniture and fixtures, information systems, motor vehicles, office supplies, buildings, and equipment. These schedules, however, are for your information only. You must complete Form 4684, Casualties and Thefts, to report your loss.

Publication 584-B - Main Content

How To Use This Workbook

You can use this workbook by following these five steps.

  1. Read Pub. 547 to learn about the tax rules for casualties, disasters, and thefts.

  2. Know the definitions of adjusted basis and fair market value, discussed below.

  3. Fill out Schedules 1 through 6.

  4. Read the Instructions for Form 4684.

  5. Fill out Form 4684 using the information you entered in Schedules 1 through 6.

 

Use the chart below to find out how to use Schedules 1 through 6 to fill out Form 4684.

Take what's in each row of... And enter it on Form 4684...
Column 1 Line 19
Column 2 Line 20
Column 3 Line 21
Column 4 Line 22
Column 5 Line 23
Column 6 Line 24
Column 7 Line 25
Column 8 Line 26
Column 9 Line 27

 

Adjusted basis.

Adjusted basis usually means original cost plus improvements, minus depreciation allowed or allowable (including any section 179 expense deduction), amortization, depletion, etc. If you didn’t acquire the property by purchasing it, your basis is determined as discussed in Pub. 551. If you inherited the property from someone who died in 2010 and the executor of the decedent's estate made the election to file Form 8939, refer to the information provided by the executor.

Fair market value.

Fair market value is the price for which you could sell your property to a willing buyer, when neither of you has to sell or buy and both of you know all the relevant facts. When filling out Schedules 1 through 6, you need to know the fair market value of the property immediately before and immediately after the disaster or casualty.

Deduction limits.

If your casualty or theft loss involved a home you used for business or rented out, your deductible loss may be limited. See the Instructions for Form 4684, Section B. If the casualty or theft loss involved property used in a passive activity, see Form 8582 and its instructions.

The casualty and theft loss deduction for employee property, when added to your job expenses and most other miscellaneous itemized deductions on Schedule A (Form 1040), must be reduced by 2% of your adjusted gross income. Employee property is property used in performing services as an employee.

Comments and Suggestions

We welcome your comments about this publication and your suggestions for future editions.

You can send us comments through IRS.gov/FormComments. Or you can write to:

Internal Revenue Service
Tax Forms and Publications
1111 Constitution Ave. NW, IR-6526
Washington, DC 20224

 

Although we can’t respond individually to each comment received, we do appreciate your feedback and will consider your comments as we revise our tax forms, instructions, and publications.

Ordering forms and publications.

Visit IRS.gov/FormsPubs to download forms and publications. Otherwise, you can go to IRS.gov/OrderForms to order current and prior-year forms and instructions. Your order should arrive within 10 business days.

Tax questions.

If you have a tax question not answered by this publication, check IRS.gov and How To Get Tax Help .

How To Get Tax Help

If you have questions about a tax issue, need help preparing your tax return, or want to download free publications, forms, or instructions, go to IRS.gov and find resources that can help you right away.

Preparing and filing your tax return.

Find free options to prepare and file your return on IRS.gov or in your local community if you qualify.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax help to people who generally make $54,000 or less, persons with disabilities, and limited-English-speaking taxpayers who need help preparing their own tax returns. The Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program offers free tax help for all taxpayers, particularly those who are 60 years of age and older. TCE volunteers specialize in answering questions about pensions and retirement-related issues unique to seniors.

You can go to IRS.gov to see your options for preparing and filing your return which include the following.

 

  • Free File. Go to IRS.gov/FreeFile. See if you qualify to use brand-name software to prepare and e-file your federal tax return for free.

  • VITA. Go to IRS.gov/VITA, download the free IRS2Go app, or call 1-800-906-9887 to find the nearest VITA location for free tax preparation.

  • TCE. Go to IRS.gov/TCE, download the free IRS2Go app, or call 1-888-227-7669 to find the nearest TCE location for free tax preparation.

 

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Getting answers to your tax questions. On IRS.gov get answers to your tax questions anytime, anywhere.

  • Go to IRS.gov/Help or IRS.gov/LetUsHelp pages for a variety of tools that will help you get answers to some of the most common tax questions.

  • Go to IRS.gov/ITA for the Interactive Tax Assistant, a tool that will ask you questions on a number of tax law topics and provide answers. You can print the entire interview and the final response for your records.

  • Go to IRS.gov/Pub17 to get Pub. 17, Your Federal Income Tax for Individuals, which features details on tax-saving opportunities, 2017 tax changes, and thousands of interactive links to help you find answers to your questions. View it online in HTML, as a PDF, or download it to your mobile device as an eBook.

  • You may also be able to access tax law information in your electronic filing software.

 

Getting tax forms and publications.

Go to IRS.gov/Forms to view, download, or print all of the forms and publications you may need. You can also download and view popular tax publications and instructions (including the 1040 instructions) on mobile devices as an eBook at no charge. Or, you can go to IRS.gov/OrderForms to place an order and have forms mailed to you within 10 business days.

Access your online account (Individual taxpayers only).

Go to IRS.gov/Account to securely access information about your federal tax account.

  • View the amount you owe, pay online or set up an online payment agreement.

  • Access your tax records online.

  • Review the past 18 months of your payment history.

  • Go to IRS.gov/SecureAccess to review the required identity authentication process.

 

Using direct deposit.

The fastest way to receive a tax refund is to combine direct deposit and IRS e-file. Direct deposit securely and electronically transfers your refund directly into your financial account. Eight in 10 taxpayers use direct deposit to receive their refund. IRS issues more than 90% of refunds in less than 21 days.

Delayed refund for returns claiming certain credits.

Due to changes in the law, the IRS can’t issue refunds before mid-February 2018, for returns that properly claimed the earned income credit (EIC) or the additional child tax credit (ACTC). This applies to the entire refund, not just the portion associated with these credits.

Getting a transcript or copy of a return.

The quickest way to get a copy of your tax transcript is to go to IRS.gov/Transcripts. Click on either "Get Transcript Online" or "Get Transcript by Mail" to order a copy of your transcript. If you prefer, you can:

  • Order your transcript by calling 1-800-908-9946.

  • Mail Form 4506-T or Form 4506T-EZ (both available on IRS.gov).

 

Using online tools to help prepare your return.

Go to IRS.gov/Tools for the following.

 

Resolving tax-related identity theft issues.

 

  • The IRS doesn’t initiate contact with taxpayers by email or telephone to request personal or financial information. This includes any type of electronic communication, such as text messages and social media channels.

  • Go to IRS.gov/IDProtection for information and videos.

  • If your SSN has been lost or stolen or you suspect you’re a victim of tax-related identity theft, visit IRS.gov/ID to learn what steps you should take.

 

Checking on the status of your refund.

 

  • Go to IRS.gov/Refunds.

  • Due to changes in the law, the IRS can’t issue refunds before mid-February 2018, for returns that properly claimed the EIC or the ACTC. This applies to the entire refund, not just the portion associated with these credits.

  • Download the official IRS2Go app to your mobile device to check your refund status.

  • Call the automated refund hotline at 1-800-829-1954.

 

Making a tax payment.

The IRS uses the latest encryption technology to ensure your electronic payments are safe and secure. You can make electronic payments online, by phone, and from a mobile device using the IRS2Go app. Paying electronically is quick, easy, and faster than mailing in a check or money order. Go to IRS.gov/Payments to make a payment using any of the following options.

  • IRS Direct Pay: Pay your individual tax bill or estimated tax payment directly from your checking or savings account at no cost to you.

  • Debit or credit card: Choose an approved payment processor to pay online, by phone, and by mobile device.

  • Electronic Funds Withdrawal: Offered only when filing your federal taxes using tax preparation software or through a tax professional.

  • Electronic Federal Tax Payment System: Best option for businesses. Enrollment is required.

  • Check or money order: Mail your payment to the address listed on the notice or instructions.

  • Cash: You may be able to pay your taxes with cash at a participating retail store.

 

What if I can’t pay now?

Go to IRS.gov/Payments for more information about your options.

  • Apply for an online payment agreement (IRS.gov/OPA) to meet your tax obligation in monthly installments if you can’t pay your taxes in full today. Once you complete the online process, you will receive immediate notification of whether your agreement has been approved.

  • Use the Offer in Compromise Pre-Qualifier (IRS.gov/OIC) to see if you can settle your tax debt for less than the full amount you owe.

 

Checking the status of an amended return.

Go to IRS.gov/WMAR to track the status of Form 1040X amended returns. Please note that it can take up to 3 weeks from the date you mailed your amended return for it to show up in our system and processing it can take up to 16 weeks.

Understanding an IRS notice or letter.

Go to IRS.gov/Notices to find additional information about responding to an IRS notice or letter.

Contacting your local IRS office.

Keep in mind, many questions can be answered on IRS.gov without visiting an IRS Tax Assistance Center (TAC). Go to IRS.gov/LetUsHelp for the topics people ask about most. If you still need help, IRS TACs provide tax help when a tax issue can’t be handled online or by phone. All TACs now provide service by appointment so you’ll know in advance that you can get the service you need without long wait times. Before you visit, go to IRS.gov/TACLocator to find the nearest TAC, check hours, available services, and appointment options. Or, on the IRS2Go app, under the Stay Connected tab, choose the Contact Us option and click on “Local Offices.”

Watching IRS videos.

The IRS Video portal (IRSvideos.gov) contains video and audio presentations for individuals, small businesses, and tax professionals.

Getting tax information in other languages.

For taxpayers whose native language isn’t English, we have the following resources available. Taxpayers can find information on IRS.gov in the following languages.

 

The IRS TACs provide over-the-phone interpreter service in over 170 languages, and the service is available free to taxpayers.

The Taxpayer Advocate Service Is Here To Help You

What is the Taxpayer Advocate Service?

The Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) is an independent organization within the IRS that helps taxpayers and protects taxpayer rights. Our job is to ensure that every taxpayer is treated fairly and that you know and understand your rights under the Taxpayer Bill of Rights.

What Can the Taxpayer Advocate Service Do For You?

We can help you resolve problems that you can’t resolve with the IRS. And our service is free. If you qualify for our assistance, you will be assigned to one advocate who will work with you throughout the process and will do everything possible to resolve your issue. TAS can help you if:

  • Your problem is causing financial difficulty for you, your family, or your business,

  • You face (or your business is facing) an immediate threat of adverse action, or

  • You’ve tried repeatedly to contact the IRS but no one has responded, or the IRS hasn’t responded by the date promised.

 

How Can You Reach Us?

We have offices in every state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Your local advocate’s number is in your local directory and at TaxpayerAdvocate.IRS.gov/Contact-Us. You can also call us at 1-877-777-4778.

How Can You Learn About Your Taxpayer Rights?

The Taxpayer Bill of Rights describes 10 basic rights that all taxpayers have when dealing with the IRS. Our Tax Toolkit at TaxpayerAdvocate.IRS.gov can help you understand what these rights mean to you and how they apply. These are your rights. Know them. Use them.

How Else Does the Taxpayer Advocate Service Help Taxpayers?

TAS works to resolve large-scale problems that affect many taxpayers. If you know of one of these broad issues, please report it to us at IRS.gov/SAMS.

Low Income Taxpayer Clinics

Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITCs) are independent from the IRS. LITCs represent individuals whose income is below a certain level and need to resolve tax problems with the IRS, such as audits, appeals, and tax collection disputes. In addition, clinics can provide information about taxpayer rights and responsibilities in different languages for individuals who speak English as a second language. Services are offered for free or a small fee. To find a clinic near you, visit TaxpayerAdvocate.IRS.gov/LITCmap or see IRS Publication 4134, Low Income Taxpayer Clinic List PDF.

Publication 584-B - Additional Material

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Office Furniture and Fixtures

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Information Systems

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Motor Vehicles

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Office Supplies

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Building, Components, and Land

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Equipment

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Tax Publications for Individual Taxpayers

General Guides
1 Your Rights as a Taxpayer
17 Your Federal Income Tax For Individuals
334 Tax Guide for Small Business (For Individuals Who Use Schedule C or C-EZ)
509 Tax Calendars
910 IRS Guide to Free Tax Services
Specialized Publications
3 Armed Forces’ Tax Guide
54 Tax Guide for U.S. Citizens and Resident Aliens Abroad
225 Farmer’s Tax Guide
463 Travel, Entertainment, Gift, and Car Expenses
501 Exemptions, Standard Deduction, and Filing Information
502 Medical and Dental Expenses (Including the Health Coverage Tax Credit)
503 Child and Dependent Care Expenses
504 Divorced or Separated Individuals
505 Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax
514 Foreign Tax Credit for Individuals
516 U.S. Government Civilian Employees Stationed Abroad
517 Social Security and Other Information for Members of the Clergy and Religious Workers
519 U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens
521 Moving Expenses
523 Selling Your Home
524 Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled
525 Taxable and Nontaxable Income
526 Charitable Contributions
527 Residential Rental Property (Including Rental of Vacation Homes)
529 Miscellaneous Deductions
530 Tax Information for Homeowners
531 Reporting Tip Income
535 Business Expenses
536 Net Operating Losses (NOLs) for Individuals, Estates, and Trusts
537 Installment Sales
541 Partnerships
544 Sales and Other Dispositions of Assets
547 Casualties, Disasters, and Thefts
550 Investment Income and Expenses (Including Capital Gains and Losses)
551 Basis of Assets
554 Tax Guide for Seniors
555 Community Property
556 Examination of Returns, Appeal Rights, and Claims for Refund
559 Survivors, Executors, and Administrators
561 Determining the Value of Donated Property
570 Tax Guide for Individuals With Income From U.S. Possessions
571 Tax-Sheltered Annuity Plans (403(b) Plans) for Employees of Public Schools and Certain Tax-Exempt Organizations
575 Pension and Annuity Income
584 Casualty, Disaster, and Theft Loss Workbook (Personal-Use Property)
587 Business Use of Your Home (Including Use by Daycare Providers)
590-A Contributions to Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs)
590-B Distributions from Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs)
594 The IRS Collection Process
596 Earned Income Credit (EIC)
721 Tax Guide to U.S. Civil Service Retirement Benefits
901 U.S. Tax Treaties
907 Tax Highlights for Persons With Disabilities
908 Bankruptcy Tax Guide
915 Social Security and Equivalent Railroad Retirement Benefits
925 Passive Activity and At-Risk Rules
926 Household Employer’s Tax Guide
929 Tax Rules for Children and Dependents
936 Home Mortgage Interest Deduction
946 How To Depreciate Property
947 Practice Before the IRS and Power of Attorney
950 Introduction to Estate and Gift Taxes
969 Health Savings Accounts and Other Tax-Favored Health Plans
970 Tax Benefits for Education
971 Innocent Spouse Relief
972 Child Tax Credit
976 Disaster Relief
1542 Per Diem Rates (For Travel Within the Continental United States)
1544 Reporting Cash Payments of Over $10,000 (Received in a Trade or Business)
1546 Taxpayer Advocate Service – Your Voice at the IRS
Spanish Language Publications
1SP Derechos del Contribuyente
17(SP) El Impuesto Federal sobre los Ingresos Para Personas Físicas
547(SP) Hechos Fortuitos, Desastres y Robos
584(SP) Registro de Pérdidas por Hechos Fortuitos (Imprevistos), Desastres y Robos (Propiedad de Uso Personal)
594SP El Proceso de Cobro del IRS
596SP Crédito por Ingreso del Trabajo (EIC)
850(EN/SP) English-Spanish Glossary of Tax Words and Phrases Used in Publications Issued by the Internal Revenue Service
1544(SP) Informe de Pagos en Efectivo en Exceso de $10,000 (Recibidos en una Ocupación o Negocio)

Commonly Used Tax Forms

Form Number and Title
1040 U.S. Individual Income Tax Return
Sch A Itemized Deductions
Sch B Interest and Ordinary Dividends
Sch C Profit or Loss From Business
Sch C-EZ Net Profit From Business
Sch D Capital Gains and Losses
Sch E Supplemental Income and Loss
Sch EIC Earned Income Credit
Sch F Profit or Loss From Farming
Sch H Household Employment Taxes
Sch J Income Averaging for Farmers and
Fishermen
Sch R Credit for the Elderly or
the Disabled
Sch SE Self-Employment Tax
1040A U.S. Individual Income Tax Return
Sch B Interest and Ordinary Dividends
1040EZ Income Tax Return for Single and Joint Filers With No Dependents
1040-ES Estimated Tax for Individuals
1040X Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return
2106 Employee Business Expenses
2106-EZ Unreimbursed Employee Business Expenses
2210 Underpayment of Estimated Tax by Individuals, Estates, and Trusts
2441 Child and Dependent Care Expenses
2848 Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative
2848(SP) Poder Legal y Declaración del Representante
3903 Moving Expenses
4562 Depreciation and Amortization
4868 Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return
4868(SP) Solicitud de Prórroga Automática para Presentar la Declaración del Impuesto sobre el Ingreso Personal de los Estados Unidos
4952 Investment Interest Expense Deduction
5329 Additional Taxes on Qualified Plans (Including IRAs) and Other Tax-Favored Accounts
6251 Alternative Minimum Tax—Individuals
8283 Noncash Charitable Contributions
8582 Passive Activity Loss Limitations
8606 Nondeductible IRAs
8812 Child Tax Credit
8822 Change of Address (For Individual, Gift, Estate, or Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax Returns)
8829 Expenses for Business Use of Your Home
8863 Education Credits (American Opportunity and Lifetime Learning Credits)
8949 Sales and Other Dispositions of Capital Assets
9465 Installment Agreement Request
9465(SP) Solicitud para un Plan de Pagos a Plazos
   
   

Index

A

Assistance (see Tax help)

M

Missing children, photographs of, Reminders

P

Publications (see Tax help)

T

Tax help, How To Get Tax Help