Can I still claim disaster clean up after 2 years?

Joyfuljaws5
Joyfuljaws5 Member Posts: 2 Newcomer
edited December 2024 in Credits/Deductions

I am still cleaning up after a big disaster and paying out of pocket to clean up and fix things. Can I still claim after 2 years?

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  • DennisR
    DennisR FreeTaxUSA Agent Posts: 17
    Answer ✓

    There are a few ways a disaster or casualty can affect your tax return. The most common two are disaster distributions from your retirement fund or claiming disaster losses as a deduction. It sounds like you're referring to the latter.

    Personal casualty losses can only be claimed as a deduction if it was the result of a federally declared disaster or any other qualified disaster. Depending on the disaster, claiming the loss as a deduction will have different rules:

    • For federally declared disasters, the loss must also be greater in value than $100, and the total value must be more than 10% of your AGI. It may only be claimed as an itemized deduction.
    • For qualified disasters, this is a federally declared disaster that can be claimed across several years and is limited to a specific list of disasters. There is a $500 loss minimum requirement, but you can claim the loss even when taking the Standard Deduction.

  • DennisR
    DennisR FreeTaxUSA Agent Posts: 17
    Answer ✓

    Some states may have a credit or a deduction for state specific disasters. The easiest way to see if your state has a tax benefit available to you for disaster losses is to search the state's Department of Revenue website.

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