### Question
How does the law define loss?


### Answer
Under *26 U.S.C. § 465*, **loss** is defined as:

> the excess of the deductions allowable under this chapter for the taxable year (determined without regard to the first sentence of subsection (a)) and allocable to an activity to which this section applies over the income received or accrued by the taxpayer during the taxable year from such activity (determined without regard to subsection (e)(1)(A))

#### Citation:
  - *26 U.S.C. § 465*
  - Heading: **Subtitle A-Income Taxes > CHAPTER 1-NORMAL TAXES AND SURTAXES > Subchapter E-Accounting Periods and Methods of Accounting > PART II-METHODS OF ACCOUNTING > Subpart C-Taxable Year for Which Deductions Taken**

