This year Barney purchased 500 shares of Bell common stock for $20 per share. At year-end the Bell shares were only worth $2 per share. What amount can Barney deduct as a loss this year

Barney is not entitled to a loss deduction.

Explanation:

Barney is not qualified for a loss deduction. Barney cannot have any realization because the stock has not been sold or become worthless. If Barney's stock becomes worthless then generally he may deduct its tax basis in the stock as a worthless stock loss for the year in which the stock becomes worthless.