This item is based on the following selected 2007 information pertaining to Sam and Ann Hoyt, who filed a joint federal income tax return for the calendar year 2007. The Hoyts had adjusted gross income of $34,000 and itemized their deductions for 2007. Among the Hoyts’ cash expenditures during 2007 were the following:

$2,500 repairs in connection with 2007 fire damage to the Hoyt residence. This property has a basis of $50,000. Fair market value was $60,000 before the fire and $55,000 after the fire. Insurance on the property had lapsed in 2006 for nonpayment of premium.

$800 appraisal fee to determine amount of fire loss.

What amount of fire loss were the Hoyts entitled to deduct as an itemized deduction on their 2007 return?

  1. $5,000
  2. $2,500
  3. $1,600
  4. $1,500