Otto Operates a Bakery and Is on the Cash Method

question 4

Essay

Otto operates a bakery and is on the cash method and calendar year. This year, one of Otto's ovens caught fire and was partially destroyed. Otto bought it a few years ago for $20,000 and claimed depreciation of $12,000 up to the fire. Otto was charged $4,400 for repairs to the oven but the insurance company paid Otto $1,500 for the damage. What is Otto's casualty loss deduction?

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Definitions:

GAAP

Widely Recognized Accounting Standards; a set of standard accounting practices and rules routinely adhered to for financial reporting purposes.

Fair Value Accounting

An accounting approach where assets and liabilities are recorded at their current market value, not just historical cost.

Valuation Allowance

An allowance against deferred tax assets indicating that it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized.

Trading Investments

Securities bought and held primarily for selling in the short term to profit from price differences.