ask specifically if they have filed returns reporting Ponzi scheme losses. these days it is not that uncommon
and the rules go back to about 2009 so CPAs have had more than 10 years to do returns with this type of loss.
some probably handled the Madoff Ponzi loss for their clients
Rev Proc 2009-20 as modified by 2011-58 is a safe harbor procedure if you meet all the requirements listed in Section C of form 4684. and rev proc 2011-58
from rev proc 2011-58
Section 4.02 of Rev. Proc. 2009-20 is modified to read as follows:
.02 Qualified loss. A qualified loss is a loss resulting from a specified fraudulent arrangement in which, as a result of the conduct that caused the loss—
(1) A lead figure was charged by indictment or information (see, for example, Fed. R. Crim. P. 7) under state or federal law with the commission of fraud, embezzlement, or a similar crime that, if proven, would meet the definition of theft for purposes of § 165 of the Internal Revenue Code and § 1.165-8(d) of the Income Tax Regulations under the law of the jurisdiction in which the theft occurred, and the indictment or information has not been withdrawn or dismissed (other than because of the death of the lead figure);
(2) A lead figure was the subject of a state or federal criminal complaint (see, for example, Fed. R. Crim. P. 3) alleging the commission of a crime described in section 4.02(1) of this revenue procedure, the complaint has not been withdrawn or dismissed (other than because of the death of the lead figure), and either—
(a) The complaint alleged an admission by the lead figure, or the execution of an affidavit by that person admitting the crime; or
(b) A receiver or trustee was appointed with respect to the arrangement or assets of the arrangement were frozen; or
(3) A lead figure, or an associated entity involved in the specified fraudulent arrangement, was the subject of one or more civil complaints (see, for example, Fed. R. Civ. P. 3, 7) or similar documents (such as a notice or order instituting administrative proceedings or other document the Internal Revenue Service designates) that a state or federal governmental entity filed with a court or in an administrative agency enforcement proceeding, and—
(a) The civil complaint or similar documents together allege facts that comprise substantially all of the elements of a specified fraudulent arrangement, as described in section 4.01 of this revenue procedure, conducted by the lead figure;
(b) The death of the lead figure precludes a charge by indictment, information, or criminal complaint against that lead figure as described in section 4.02(1) or (2) of this revenue procedure; and
(c) A receiver or trustee was appointed with respect to the arrangement or assets of the arrangement were frozen.
.02 Section 4.04 of Rev. Proc. 2009-20 is modified to read as follows:
.04 Discovery year (the year the loss can be claimed under this Rev Proc). A qualified investor’s discovery year is the investor’s taxable year in which—
(1) The indictment, information, or complaint described in section 4.02(1) or (2) of this revenue procedure is filed; or
(2) The complaint or similar document described in section 4.02(3) of this revenue procedure is filed, or the death of the lead figure occurs, whichever is later.
some taxpayers will not meet the revised safe harbor requirements. they have to use section B of the 4684.
this is why is virtually impossible to advise someone as to how to claim their loss without knowing a lot more about what happened. One shoe does not fit all
