What is the difference between carryover basis and a step-up in basis?

Adler & Adler, PLLC Team

In planning for gifts of property, if the donor has a choice among more than one type of property to be transferred as the gift(s) (e.g., if she has a portfolio of several investment securities), it would probably be more advantageous, for tax purposes, to transfer assets having less unrealized appreciation (i.e., current value in excess of basis). This general concept, which becomes more compelling the greater the age of the donor, is premised on the fact that the assets still owned when the donor dies will take a stepped-up basis, thereby permanently eliminating income tax on all unrealized appreciation. Thus, if there is a choice, the family will be better off in the long run if the assets which are transferred as gifts are those with the least unrealized appreciation. Not only will this minimize the income tax cost to the donees upon liquidation of the property for cash, but, more importantly, by retaining until death those assets with the greatest unrealized appreciation, the donor will maximize the benefit to be derived from the stepped-up basis loophole.

Key concepts to understand about income tax “Basis”:

1- What is Cost Basis?

2 – How is Cost Basis Determined?

3 – What is Carryover Basis?

4 – Basis of Property Acquired In A Tax-Free Exchange

5 – Basis Adjustments When Taxable “Boot” Received

6 – Basis of Property Transferred In Trust

7 – Stepped-Up Basis; Property Transferred Upon Death

8 – Cost Basis Consideration In Planning Family Gifts

All answered here: What is Basis?

Client Reviews

Hire Robert Adler only if you want the best care imaginable. Adler was extremely diligent in uncovering our needs through caring and insightful conversation. He used those conversations to creatively craft and...

Susan

After interviewing 10+ attorneys, I was glad to find Mr. Adler. He is one of the few who cares and is willing to help client with his best. His in depth knowledge and prompt responses made me fortunate to have...

TNL

Robert has a way of making extremely sophisticated techniques understandable to his clients. He is a lovely man who is an absolute pleasure to do business with. I wholeheartedly give him my endorsement and...

Natalie

Get in Touch

  1. 1 Personal Attention to Every Case
  2. 2 30 Plus Years of Experience
  3. 3 Free Initial Telephone Consultation
Fill out the contact form or call us at 212-843-4059 or 646-946-8327 to schedule your consultation.

Leave Us a Message