Is there any income tax professional organiazation that will address the issued of fraud against me?

Question

I lost over $20,000 with fraud and I have all the documentation to prove it I was wondering if (i.e. HR Block) or someone else would be useful.

Answer 1

If you were the victim of fraud, you could potentially deduct the loss as either a casualty and theft loss (itemized deduction), or a nonbusiness bad debt (if you loaned someone money and they have/had no intention of repaying you). However, the requirements to have a nonbusiness bad debt be deductible are rather steep and it would only be deductible as a capital loss, which is limited to your capital gains for the year plus $3,000. Any undeducted loss in the current year would be carried over to future years. A casualty and theft loss, in addition to requiring that you itemize your deductions for the year, is also limited to the amount in excess of 10% of your adjusted gross income, less a $100 nondeductible amount per loss event. The above applies if the loss is deemed permanent (you're not going to get your money back).

If there is still a chance you can get the money back, then like Judy said, you need to contact an attorney, not H&R Block.

Answer 2

Contact the Federal Trade Commission
http://www.ftc.gov/
Phone: toll-free 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357)

Answer 3

An attorney might be useful if you have a good case. H&R Block would NOT be.