April Study Question of the Month

Submit your answer to info@solomonexamprep.com to be entered to win a $20 Starbucks gift card. Continue reading

Submit your answer to info@solomonexamprep.com to be entered to win a $20 Starbucks gift card.

Question

 

 

 

 

 

 

When inherited, the basis of a depreciated asset is?
 
A. Stepped up
B. Stepped down
C. Carried over
D. Carried under
 
Answer: B. Typically, when an asset is inherited, the value of the asset has increased since it was purchased and the heir gets to “step up” (raise) the basis of the inherited property to the fair market value at the date of death. So, for example, if Grandpa bought shares of XYZ  for $1,000 in the previous century, and the shares are worth $1 million on the date of Grandpa’s death, the basis for tax purposes is stepped up to $1 million to the lucky recipient. This means that capital gain escapes any federal taxation. 
The basis “step-up” rule can become a “step-down” rule as well. So if an asset’s value has declined and someone inherits the asset, for the sake of taxes, the basis of the asset is stepped down (lowered) to the fair market value on the date of the owner’s death. This loss of basis can be avoided by the owner selling any depreciated property before death, so he or she can reap the tax losses.

3 thoughts on “April Study Question of the Month”

  1. Good question about inheriting assets. We normally assume that an asset has appreciated prior to inheritance but it is possible that one could receive a depreciated asset.

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