How do I determine the cost basis of stock I received as a gift? (2024)

FAQs

How do I determine the cost basis of stock I received as a gift? ›

The cost basis of stock you received as a gift ("gifted stock") is determined by the giver's original cost basis and the fair market value (FMV) of the stock at the time you received the gift. If the FMV when you received the gift was more than the original cost basis, use the original cost basis when you sell.

In the event that the shares were given to you as a gift, your cost basis is the cost basis of the original holder who gave you the gift. If the shares are trading at a lower price than when the shares were gifted, the lower rate is the cost basis.

When a person receives a gift of stock, they assume the tax liability on any earnings previously accumulated. On the other hand, they do not have to pay taxes on those profits until they sell the stock. For 2023, the maximum gift exclusion is $17,000 per person per year.

Answer: To determine your basis in property you received as a gift, you must know the property's adjusted basis to the donor just before it was given to you, its fair market value (FMV) at the time it was given to you, and the amount of any gift tax paid with respect to the gift.

(1) In general, if there is a market for stocks or bonds, on a stock exchange, in an over-the-counter market or otherwise, the mean between the highest and lowest quoted selling prices on the date of the gift is the fair market value per share or bond.

The IRS expects taxpayers to keep the original documentation for capital assets, such as real estate and investments. It uses these documents, along with third-party records, bank statements and published market data, to verify the cost basis of assets.

Let's say you buy 50 shares of Company A for $20 per share. The total cost of this purchase is $1,000 (50 shares x $20). This becomes your cost basis.

Capital gains tax

Those who receive your gift of stock may have to pay the capital gains tax on the sale of these stocks later. They may not have to pay taxes on the entire value of the sale. Your recipient can deduct your cost basis in the stock which was passed on to them.

In terms of taxes, the cost basis of inherited stock is the value at the time of the original owner's death, not the value when the stock was originally purchased. The person inheriting the stock only owes taxes on the change in stock price between when it was inherited and when it was sold.

Consider the potential impact of capital gains taxes

If you gift cash, generally there are no income tax consequences for the recipient, though there could be gift and estate tax implications to the donor. But if you give appreciated securities, the capital gains taxes can be significant.

Does gifted property receive a step up in basis? ›

For gifts, the basis remains the same as when the asset was held by the person who made the gift (carryover basis), but with an adjustment for any gift tax paid.

Double basis rule: If the fair market value (FMV) of the gifted property on the date of the gift is lower than the donor's adjusted basis, the recipient's basis is the donor's adjusted basis.

The basis of property inherited from a decedent is generally one of the following: The fair market value (FMV) of the property on the date of the decedent's death (whether or not the executor of the estate files an estate tax return (Form 706, United States Estate (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax Return)).

The cost basis of stock you received as a gift ("gifted stock") is determined by the giver's original cost basis and the fair market value (FMV) of the stock at the time you received the gift. If the FMV when you received the gift was more than the original cost basis, use the original cost basis when you sell.

Properly Acknowledging Your In-Kind Stock Gift

Your letter should acknowledge the gift of stock, including the ticker, the number of shares, and the date of the donation. It should not, however, list the value of the stock since your organization is not in the business of assigning value to securities or gifts in-kind.

Can you gift stock? Yes, you can gift stock. Gifting stock means the recipient will benefit from any increases in the stock's value. You can gift stock to kids through a custodial account, and you can gift stock to adults with a simple transfer.

In terms of taxes, the cost basis of inherited stock is the value at the time of the original owner's death, not the value when the stock was originally purchased. The person inheriting the stock only owes taxes on the change in stock price between when it was inherited and when it was sold.

What are the fees for gifting? The standard off-market transfer fee of ₹25 or 0.03% per stock, + 18% GST whichever is higher, is applicable. There are no additional charges for gifting securities. This is automatically debited from the sender's trading account.

The donor's cost basis must be used to determine the gain if the shares are sold at a gain. The FMV on the date of the gift must be used if the shares are sold at a loss. For example, the donor's cost basis is $20, and the FMV on the date of the gift is $10, thus establishing a dual cost basis.