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Understanding the “step-up in basis” when inheriting assets
May 21, 2025
Categories: Basis, Capital Gain, Capital Loss, inheritance, Stepped down, Stepped up
If you inherit assets after a loved one passes away, they often arrive with a valuable — but frequently misunderstood — tax benefit called the step-up in basis. Below is an overview of how the rule works and what planning might need to be done. What “basis” means First, let’s look at a couple definitions. Basis is generally what the owner paid for an asset, adjusted for improvements, depreciation, return of capital, etc. Capital gain (or loss) equals
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Turning stock downturns into tax advantages
April 22, 2025
Categories: Capital Gain, Capital Loss, Stock Options, wash sale rule
Have you ever invested in a company only to see its stock value plummet? (This may become relevant in light of recent market volatility.) While such an investment might be something you’d rather forget, there’s a silver lining: you can claim a capital loss deduction on your tax return. Here are the rules when a stock you own is sold at a loss or is entirely worthless. How capital losses work As capital assets, stocks produce capital gains or losses when they’re sold. Your
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Planning for the future: 5 business succession options and their tax implications
April 5, 2025
Categories: Capital Gain, ESOP, Estate, GiftTax, Succession Options
When it’s time to consider your business’s future, succession planning can protect your legacy and successfully set up the next generation of leaders or owners. Whether you’re ready to retire, you wish to step back your involvement or you want a solid contingency plan should you unexpectedly be unable to run the business, exploring different succession strategies is key. Here are five options to consider, along with some of the tax implications. 1. Transfer directly to family
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How Section 1231 gains and losses affect business asset sales
January 14, 2025
Categories: Business Property, Capital Gain, Capital Loss, Section 1231
When selling business assets, understanding the tax implications is crucial. One area to focus on is Section 1231 of the Internal Revenue Code, which governs the treatment of gains and losses from the sale or exchange of certain business property. Business gain and loss tax basics The federal income tax character of gains and losses from selling business assets can fall into three categories: Capital gains and losses. These result from selling capital assets which are generally defined