Wildfire damage
Varies
Can You Write Off Wildfire Damage?
Short answer: Yes for uninsured losses in a declared disaster area, and you can choose to claim it on the prior year's return for a faster refund.
Personal casualty losses are deductible only from a federally declared disaster (and, starting in 2026, certain state-declared disasters), after a $100 reduction and 10% of AGI, and only if you itemize.
Records to keep: Keep receipts, statements (1098, 1098-T, 1099, W-2G), and a note of what each cost was for. Compare itemizing to the 2026 standard deduction before you claim.
Wildfire damage
Varies
Individuals / Personal Taxes
Yes for uninsured losses in a declared disaster area, and you can choose to claim it on the prior year's return for a faster refund.
Business justification
Yes for uninsured losses in a declared disaster area, and you can choose to claim it on the prior year's return for a faster refund. Personal casualty losses are deductible only from a federally declared disaster (and, starting in 2026, certain state-declared disasters), after a $100 reduction and 10% of AGI, and only if you itemize.
Category
- Personal Tax Deductions