Question

This year Amy purchased $3,500 of equipment for use in her business. However, the machine was damaged in a traffic accident while Amy was transporting the equipment to her business. Note that because Amy did not place the equipment into service during the year, she does not claim any depreciation or cost recovery expense for the equipment.

A. After the accident, Amy had the choice of repairing the equipment for $2,140 or selling the equipment to a junk shop for $395. Amy sold the equipment. What amount can Amy deduct for the loss of the equipment?

B. After the accident, Amy repaired the equipment for $4,010. What amount can Amy deduct for the loss of the equipment?

C. After the accident, Amy could not replace the equipment so she had the equipment repaired for $3,200. What amount can Amy deduct for the loss of the equipment?

Answer 1

A. $3105

B. $3,500

C. $3,200

Step-by-step explanation:

A casualty loss is damage, destruction, or loss of property due to an event that is sudden, unexpected, or unusual such as fires, floods, accidents etc.

A. Amy can claim a casualty deduction since the machine was damaged in a traffic accident. Therefore : $3500 - $395 = $3105. Amy can deduct $3105 for the loss of the equipment.

B. Amy can claim a casualty loss deduction for the lesser of the economic loss (the cost of repair) or the tax basis of the machine. Therefore, Amy can deduct $3,500.

C. Amy can claim a casualty loss deduction for the lesser of the economic loss (the cost of repair) or the tax basis of the machine. Therefore, Amy can deduct $3,200.