Question

"A customer holds 1,000 shares of ABC stock valued at 80 in a margin account. The debit balance in the account is $35,000. ABC declares and pays a 20% stock dividend. The tax consequence of the distribution to the investor will be:"

Answer 1

Answer: Reduction of cost basis per share

Explanation:

It should be noted that Under IRS rules, when stock dividends are being received, they are not taxable at that particular time as shareholders haven't gotten any return from the stock yet.

The Stock dividend will then lead to reduction in cost basis per share. Therefore, based on the scenario in the question, the tax consequence of the distribution to the investor will be reduction of cost basis per share.