Cross References
Rev. Proc. 2017-60

Residents in the northeastern part of the U.S. have reported problems with certain res- idential concrete foundations. In August 2015, the Connecticut Office of the Attorney General and the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection began investigating numerous complaints by homeowners concerning deteriorating concrete foundations.

Investigators found that the damage was caused by the presence of pyrrhotite in the concrete mixture used to pour the foundations. As a result, affected Connecticut home- owners may request a reassessment of the assessed value of their homes for property tax purposes.

The IRS received inquiries about whether a loss resulting from a deteriorating concrete foundation qualifies as a deductible casualty loss. A casualty loss is generally deduct- ible under IRC section 165 if the damage, destruction, or loss of property is the result of an identifiable event that is sudden, unexpected, and unusual. Damage or loss resulting from progressive deterioration of property through a steadily operating cause is not a ca- sualty loss. The deductible loss is generally the unreimbursed decrease in the fair market value of the property as a result of the casualty, limited to the taxpayer’s adjusted basis in the property. To simplify the computation, existing regulations permit taxpayers to use the cost to repair the damaged property as evidence for the amount of the decrease in the value of the property.

In view of the unique circumstances surrounding the damage caused by deteriorating concrete foundations containing the mineral pyrrhotite, the IRS has provided a safe har- bor method for purposes of the casualty loss deduction. The IRS will not challenge a taxpayer’s casualty loss deduction if the loss is determined and reported under the safe harbor found in this revenue procedure.

Rev. Proc. 2017-60. The safe harbor applies to any individual taxpayer who pays to re- pair damage to that taxpayer’s personal residence caused by a deteriorating concrete foundation that contains the mineral pyrrhotite. The amount paid to repair the damage may be treated as a casualty loss in the year paid. The term “deteriorating concrete foun- dation” means a concrete foundation that is damaged as a result of the presence of the mineral pyrrhotite in the concrete mixture used to pour the foundation.

The safe harbor is available to a taxpayer who has obtained a written evaluation from a licensed engineer indicating that the foundation was made with defective concrete, and has requested and received a reassessment report that shows the reduced reassessed value of the residential property based on the written evaluation from the engineer and an inspection pursuant to Connecticut Public Act No. 16-45.

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