Question

Jed is an electrician. Jed and his wife are accrual basis taxpayers and file a joint return. Jed wired a new house for Alison and billed her $15,000. Alison paid Jed $10,000 and refused to pay the remainder of the bill, claiming the fee to be exorbitant. Jed took Alison to Small Claims Court for the unpaid amount and was awarded a $2,000 judgement. Jed was able to collect the judgement but not the remainder of the bill from Alison. What amount of loss may Jed deduct in the current year?

a. $0.
b. $2,000.
c. $3,000.
d. $5,000.
e. None of the above

Answer 1

c. $3,000.

Step-by-step explanation:

Jed was refused payment of $5000, the court awarded only $2000, rest $3000 is a loss for Jed. He can only deduct $3000 and not full $5000 as $2000 has been realized.