Introduction

This chapter explains the tax treatment of personal (not business related) casualty losses, theft losses, and losses on deposits.

The chapter also explains the following topics.

• How to figure the amount of your loss.
• How to treat insurance and other reimbursements you receive.
• The deduction limits.
• When and how to report a casualty or theft.

Forms to file. When you have a casualty or theft, you have to file Form 4684. You will also have to file one or more of the following forms.

• Schedule A (Form 1040), Itemized Deductions
• Schedule D (Form 1040), Capital Gains and Losses

Condemnations. For information on condemnations of property, see Involuntary Conversions in chapter 1 of Publication 544. Also see Publication 523, Selling Your Home.

Workbook for casualties and thefts. Publication 584 is available to help you make a list of your stolen or damaged personal-use property and figure your loss. It includes schedules to help you figure the loss on your home and its contents, and your motor vehicles.

Other sources of information. For information on a casualty or theft loss of business or income-producing property, see Publication 547.

For information on a condemnation of your home, see Involuntary Conversions in chapter 1 of Publication 544.

Publication
• 544 - Sales and Other Dispositions of Assets
• 547 - Casualties, Disasters, and Thefts (Business and Nonbusiness)
• 584 - Casualty, Disaster, and Theft Loss Workbook (Personal-Use Property)

Form (and Instructions)
• 4684 - Casualties and Thefts

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