Question

Compare and contrast different ways in which a taxpayer triggers a realization event by disposing of an asset.

Answer 1

Answer:

There are many ways a taxpayer can trigger a realization event.  She can trigger it through a sale or trade by receiving a value greater than the disposed asset.  She can also trigger a realization event by making a gift to charity.  Other ways include disposal, for example, to a landfill and destruction through natural disaster.  In the latter cases, there is a loss to the taxpayer.  With a natural disaster, the taxpayer can only obtain a realization gain if reimbursed by the insurance company.

Explanation:

A realization event happens when there is a sale or a disposal of an asset or a discharge from a liability.  There is usually an increase in the value realized from the disposal, which is greater than the asset's value before disposal. It also happens when the taxpayer receives a relief from a liability or completes a profitable transaction.