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posted Jun 3, 2019 12:05:40 PM

Can i claim stolen tools that I didn't get reimbursed for?

Hi I'm a car painter and had three paint spray guns stolen from my tool box worth over $1800 I didn't get reimbursed for,can i claim that on taxes?

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1 Best answer
Level 15
Jun 3, 2019 12:05:42 PM

You can claim this as a Casualty and Theft loss, but the IRS wants you to prove that a theft occurred.  Here's what they say:

Theft loss proof:

For a theft loss, you should be able to show all of the following.

When you discovered that your property was missing.

That your property was stolen.

That you were the owner of the property.

Whether a claim for reimbursement exists for which there is a reasonable expectation of recovery.

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p547.pdf

You can see that if you filed a police report that would be very helpful for your case, in case the IRS audits your return..

1 Replies
Level 15
Jun 3, 2019 12:05:42 PM

You can claim this as a Casualty and Theft loss, but the IRS wants you to prove that a theft occurred.  Here's what they say:

Theft loss proof:

For a theft loss, you should be able to show all of the following.

When you discovered that your property was missing.

That your property was stolen.

That you were the owner of the property.

Whether a claim for reimbursement exists for which there is a reasonable expectation of recovery.

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p547.pdf

You can see that if you filed a police report that would be very helpful for your case, in case the IRS audits your return..