Net operating losses | Internal Revenue Service

Most taxpayers no longer have the option to carryback a net operating loss (NOL). For most taxpayers, NOLs arising in tax years ending after 2020 can only be carried forward. The 2-year carryback rule in effect before 2018, generally, does not apply to NOLs arising in tax years ending after December 31, 2017. The CARES Act provided for a special 5-year carryback for taxable years beginning in 2018, 2019 and 2020. Exceptions apply to certain farming losses and NOLs of insurance companies other than a life insurance company. Also, for losses arising in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017, the net operating loss deduction for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2020, is limited to 80% of the excess (if any) of taxable income (determined without regard to the deduction, QBID, and Section 250 deduction) over the total NOLD from NOLs arising in taxable years beginning before January 1, 2018.