The IRS counts property casualties Losses due to theft or destruction IRS.gov: Publication 547 - Main Content you can claim it on your return IRS.gov: Publication 547: Casualty, Theft and Loss IRS.gov: Publication 547: Decrease in Fair Market Value IRS: Casualties, Disasters and Thefts IRS.gov: Form 1040: U.S. Individual Income Tax Return state damage, destruction or loss of property corrosive drywall Losses due to theft or destruction very clear Internal Revenue Service: Casualties, Disasters and Thefts Internal Revenue Service: Publication 547: Theft IRS.gov: Publication 547: $100 Rule IRS