dwill7000
Returning Member

How do I claim rental property loss from lava covering?

We had a rental property in Hawaii with a little house that was completely covered by lava in May 2018. There was no insurance (premiums = 20% of house value). The state has appraised the property down to $0 and is no longer charging property tax. Where can we use this loss as a deduction? What line? And can we use both the house and the land as a total loss - technically we still own the "land", however it is more than likely going to be worthless and uninhabitable for many decades.

Investors and rental owners

You would claim the loss of a Rental Asset as a Terminal Loss on the T776 Statement of Real Estate Rentals. Indicate that the Class 1 building asset has been disposed of for $1. The remaining balance in the Class will be the amount of terminal loss on line 9948.

The land will be disposed of on the Schedule 3 and will result in a Net Capital Loss which can only be used to reduce past Capital Gains (3 years), current year gains or future (indefinite) gains.

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dwill7000
Returning Member

Investors and rental owners

Thank you! Very helpful!  Would we claim the amount we paid for the property 7 years ago, the assessed value on the tax assessment or the fair market value just before the lava destruction?

Investors and rental owners

You will have to use the purchase price.