Understanding the Alternate Valuation Date
当一个人死亡时, the executor is faced with an important decision that has the potential to impact the taxes owed by the estate and its heirs. The executor will have the option of valuing the estate on the date of death, 或交替, on the six-month anniversary of death – the latter is, 恰当地说, referred to as the "Alternate Valuation Date."1,2
选择一个日期
It may seem like an obvious decision and simple choice, but it's not. 这是为什么.
For estates with substantial holdings in stocks, the use of the Alternate Valuation Date may be an appropriate approach if the executor believes stock prices will be lower than they were on the date of death.
当继承人继承财产时, 比如股票, they may receive a step-up in the cost basis of the asset if its value is higher than it was when the original owner acquired it. The heirs' valuation is reset to either the value on the date of the owner's death or the value on the Alternate Valuation Date – whichever is chosen by the executor.3
市场走势
Let's take a look at a hypothetical example. Let's say Dad bought Out-of-Date Technologies several years ago when stock prices were $10 per share. 在他去世时，该股价值35美元. The executor used the Alternate Valuation Date, 六个月后, 由于市场变动, 股票价值28美元.
他的继承人, 朱莉, will inherit this asset and receive a step-up in the cost basis of it to $28, 遗产所声明的价值. Now, let's assume that 朱莉 sells the stock a short time later at $35 per share.
If the estate had used the value on the date of death ($35), she might not have owed capital gains tax, as she would have been selling the stock at the same price as her cost basis. But since she received the stock with the lower cost basis ($28 – the Alternate Valuation Date), capital gains tax on the $7-per-share gain may be due.4
在这个例子中, the estate saved money by electing the Alternate Valuation Date, but the heir was exposed to a lower cost basis as well as the prospect of paying higher capital gains tax in the future.
考虑 & 平衡
As the executor thinks through this balancing act, they should consider the relative prevailing tax rates for the estate and which approach may result in the most efficient transfer, 税后净额, 给继承人.
Keep in mind that the information in this article is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation.
1. The article assumes the deceased has a valid will and has named an executor, who is responsible for carrying out the directions of the will. If a person dies intestate, it means that a valid will has not been executed. Without a valid will, a person's property will be distributed 给继承人 as defined by state law.
2. 国税局.政府,2023
3. Investopedia.2022年7月9日
4. This is a hypothetical example used for illustrative purposes only. It is not representative of any specific investment or combination of investments.
The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by 消费品套件 to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. 所表达的意见和 material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or 出售任何证券. 版权 消费品套件.
