SECTION 4. PERSONAL-USE

RESIDENTIAL REAL PROPERTY SAFE HARBOR METHODS

.01 In general . An individual within the scope of this revenue procedure may use one of the safe harbor methods de

scribed in this section 4. If an individual owns two or more parcels of personal-use residential real property, the use of a safe harbor method for one parcel does not require the individual to use the same safe harbor method, or any safe harbor method, for any other parcel.

.02 Estimated Repair Cost Safe Harbor Method . Under the Estimated Repair Cost Safe Harbor Method, to determine the decrease in the fair market value of the individual’s personal-use residential real property, an individual may use the lesser of two repair estimates prepared by two separate and independent contractors, licensed or registered in accordance with State or local regulations. The two repair estimates must set forth the itemized costs to restore the individual’s personal-use residential real property to the condition existing immediately prior to the casualty. However, the costs of any improvements or additions that increase the value of the personal-use residential real property above its pre-casualty value, such as the cost to elevate the personal residence to meet new construction requirements, must be excluded from the estimate for purposes of this safe harbor. The Estimated Repair Cost Safe Harbor Method is available for casualty losses of $20,000 or less, prior to application of the limitations under § 165(h).

.03 De Minimis Safe Harbor Method . Under the De Minimis Safe Harbor Method, to determine the decrease in the fair market value of the individual’s personal-use residential real property, an individual may estimate the cost of repairs required to restore the individual’s personal-use residential real property to the condition existing immediately prior to the casualty. However, the costs of any improvements or additions that increase the value of the personal-use residential real property above its pre-casualty value, such as the cost to elevate the personal residence to meet new construction requirements, must be excluded from the estimate for purposes of this safe harbor. An individual’s estimate must be a good-faith estimate, and the individual must maintain records detailing the methodology used for estimating the loss. The De Minimis Safe Harbor Method is available for casualty losses of $5,000 or less, prior to application of the limitations under § 165(h).

.04 Insurance Safe Harbor Method . Under the Insurance Safe Harbor Method,

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to determine the decrease in the fair market value of the individual’s personal-use residential real property, an individual may use the estimated loss determined in reports prepared by the individual’s homeowners’ or flood insurance company setting forth the estimated loss the individual sustained as a result of the damage to or destruction of the individual’s personaluse residential real property.

.05 Safe harbor methods for Federally declared disasters . An individual who suffered a casualty loss to personal-use residential real property in a disaster area and due to a Federally declared disaster may use one of the following safe harbor methods in determining the amount of the individual’s casualty loss under § 165.

(1) Contractor Safe Harbor Method . Under the Contractor Safe Harbor Method, to determine the decrease in the fair market value of the individual’s personal-use residential real property, an individual may use the contract price for the repairs specified in a contract prepared by an independent contractor, licensed or registered in accordance with State or local regulations, setting forth the itemized costs to restore the individual’s personal-use residential real property to the condition existing immediately prior to the Federally declared disaster. However, the costs of any improvements or additions that increase the value of the personal-use residential real property above its pre-disaster value, such as the cost to elevate the personal residence to meet new construction

requirements, must be excluded from the contract price for purposes of this safe harbor. To use the Contractor Safe Harbor Method, the contract must be a binding contract signed by the individual and the contractor.

(2) Disaster Loan Appraisal Safe Har- bor Method . Under the Disaster Loan Appraisal Safe Harbor Method, to determine the decrease in fair market value of the individual’s personal-use residential real property, an individual may use an appraisal prepared for the purpose of obtaining a loan of Federal funds or a loan guarantee from the Federal Government setting forth the estimated loss the individual sustained as a result of the damage to or destruction of the individual’s personal-use residential real property from a Federally declared disaster.