Tax Help Archives  
Pub. 536, Net Operating Losses (NOLs) for Individuals, Estates, and Trusts 2004 Tax Year

Introductory Material

This is archived information that pertains only to the 2004 Tax Year. If you
are looking for information for the current tax year, go to the Tax Prep Help Area.

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Introduction

If your deductions for the year are more than your income for the year, you may have a net operating loss (NOL). An NOL year is the year in which an NOL occurs. You can use an NOL by deducting it from your income in another year or years.

What this publication covers.   This publication discusses NOLs for individuals, estates, and trusts. It covers:
  • How to figure an NOL,

  • When to use an NOL,

  • How to claim an NOL deduction, and

  • How to figure an NOL carryover.

To have an NOL, your loss must generally be caused by deductions from your:

  • Trade or business,

  • Work as an employee,

  • Casualty and theft losses,

  • Moving expenses, or

  • Rental property.

A loss from operating a business is the most common reason for an NOL.

Partnerships and S corporations generally cannot use an NOL. However, partners or shareholders can use their separate shares of the partnership's or S corporation's business income and business deductions to figure their individual NOLs.

What is not covered in this publication?   The following topics are not covered in this publication.
  • Bankruptcies. See Publication 908, Bankruptcy Tax Guide.

  • NOLs of Corporations. See Publication 542, Corporations.

  • Specified liability losses. See the instructions for Form 1045, Application for Tentative Refund.

Comments and suggestions.   We welcome your comments about this publication and your suggestions for future editions.

  You can write to us at the following address:


Internal Revenue Service
Individual Forms and Publications Branch
SE:W:CAR:MP:T:I
1111 Constitution Ave. NW, IR-6406
Washington, DC 20224

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Tax questions.   If you have a tax question, visit www.irs.gov or call 1-800-829-1040. We cannot answer tax questions at either of the addresses listed above.

Ordering forms and publications.   Visit www.irs.gov/formspubs to download forms and publications, call 1-800-829-3676, or write to one of the three addresses shown under How To Get Tax Help in the back of this publication.

Useful Items - You may want to see:

Form (and Instructions)

  • 1040X
    Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return

  • 1045
    Application for Tentative Refund

See How To Get Tax Help near the end of this publication for information about getting these forms.

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