Question

Riley operates a plumbing business, and this year the three-year-old van he used in the business was destroyed in a traffic accident. The van was originally purchased for $20,000 and the adjusted basis was $5,800 at the time of the accident. Although the van was worth $6,000 at the time of accident, insurance only paid Riley $1,200 for the loss. What is the amount of Riley's casualty loss deduction?

Answer 1

$4,600

Step-by-step explanation:

Data provided in the question:

Purchasing cost of the van = $20,000

Adjusted basis = $5,800

Worth of the van at the time of accident = $6,000

Insurance reimbursement = $1,200

Now,

The amount of Riley's casualty loss deduction will be

= Adjusted basis - insurance reimbursement

or

Amount of Riley's casualty loss deduction = $5,800 - $1,200

or

Amount of Riley's casualty loss deduction = $4,600