#73: Understanding 'Step-Up in Basis' for Minimizing Taxes

Teaching Tax Flow: The Podcast

In the pursuit of legally reducing lifetime tax payments, this episode unveils the strategic advantages of understanding step-up in basis and how it applies to various inherited assets. Chris succinctly breaks down the essence of cost basis and its implications for capital gains tax. His expertise shines through as he presents everyday scenarios, articulating a clear picture of the benefits and intricacies involved.

Key Takeaways:

• A 'step-up in basis' significantly reduces capital gains tax on inherited assets by adjusting the asset's cost basis to its market value at the time of inheritance.
• Inherited assets are automatically treated as long-term capital gains, beneficial for lower tax rates, regardless of how long the asset was held prior to sale.
• Beneficiaries should not rely on old brokerage statements for cost basis and must ensure their inherited assets' cost basis is updated correctly.
• In community property states, surviving spouses may benefit from a "double step up in basis," further reducing potential tax liabilities.
• Consulting with a tax professional is crucial when dealing with inherited property to ensure proper tax treatment and maximization of available deductions.

Notable Quotes:

• "It's much better to inherit assets than to receive them as a gift."
• "Any inherited assets are automatically considered long-term capital gains, which we know are the lower rates."
• "Make sure that you, what we call, review your depreciation schedules or realistically have your tax professional review your depreciation schedules because you might not know what the heck you're looking at."
• "A lot of the things we talk about here on the podcast is really based around tax planning and strategy."

Resources:

• Defeating Taxes Facebook Group: Search "Defeating Taxes" on Facebook to find and join the private group discussed in the episode.

Dive into the full episode for an in-depth exploration of 'step up in basis' and gain valuable insights into how it can benefit your tax strategy. Stay tuned for more episodes from "Teaching Tax Flow" to continue enhancing your tax knowledge and uncover constructive financial tips.

Episode Sponsor: The Mortgage Shop