Esther owns a large home on the Southeast Coast. Her home is surrounded by large, mature oak trees that significantly increase the value of her home. In September 2019, a hurricane damaged many of the trees surrounding her home; her region was declared a federal disaster area as a result of the hurricane’s damage. In October 2019, Esther engaged a local arborist to evaluate and treat the trees, but five of the largest trees were seriously weakened by the storm. These trees died from the disease in 2020. Esther has ascertained that the amount of the casualty loss from the death of the five trees is $25,000; however, she is uncertain in which year to deduct this loss. Discuss whether the casualty loss should be deducted in the calculation of Esther’s 2019 or 2020 taxable income. I want a solution to this problem in a professional way.

Glen Campbell owns a small office building adjacent to an airport. He acquired the property 10 years ago at a total cost of $608,000—that is, $70,000 for the land and $538,000 for the building. He has just received an offer from a realty company that wants to purchase the property; however, the property has been a good source of income over the years, and so Campbell is unsure whether he should keep it or sell it. His alternatives are as follows: a. Keep the property. Campbell's accountant has kept careful records of the income realized from the property over the past 10 years. These records indicate the following annual revenues and expenses: Campbell makes a $13,450 mortgage payment each year on the property. The mortgage will be paid off in eight more years. He has been depreciating the building by the straight-line method, assuming a salvage value of $80,700 for the building, which he still thinks is an appropriate figure. He feels sure that the building can be rented for another…

Jared and Melissa are married. They have owned their primary residence for 10 years and have lived in it the entire time. They paid $350,000 for the house and land and it is now worth $ 900,000. Due to the property's prime location in Stephenville, the City of Stephenville has decided to "take" the property and turn it into a public park and venue. The City sends Jared and Melissa a letter offering to buy the property for $800,000. Jared and Melissa reject the offer and the case goes to trial where a judge determines the value to be $950,000 and orders the City to pay that amount for the property it claimed using eminent domain. After Jared and Melissa receive the $950,000, they decide not to buy a new house and instead they live in their camper and travel around the country. Do Jared and Melissa have to pay tax on the money they received? Be sure to fully explain your analysis.

Juanita is the owner of a 30-year-old home, and is looking to buy a homeowner’s insurance policy. The previous home she owned was severely damaged by a tree falling through the roof, a peril that was not covered by her basic-form policy, therefore she is looking to buy a comprehensive policy that covers damage from all perils (except those specifically excluded). Based on the peril coverage it offers, she purchases an insurance policy.