Question

Ted dies with assets consisting only of long-term investments. He leaves $5,000,000 to his children and the remainder to his wife. His basis in the investments is $5,000,000; his date of death value is $9,500, 000, and the six-month alternate valuation value is $10,700,000. What is the income tax basis of the investments if his family sells the assets?
A. $5,000, 000
B. $9,500,000
C. $10,700,000

Answer 1

Answer:

B) $9,500, 000

Explanation:

The tax basis for Ted's estate is $9,500,000, ans since it falls under the current federal estate tax exemption($11,400,000), his wife and children do not have to pay any estate taxes.  If Ted's family sells the assets before the six month alternate valuation is effective, then their tax basis will be the same as Ted's estate ($9,500,000).