If you’ve inherited assets or you’re planning your estate, it’s crucial to understand the fair market value basis rules (also known as the “step-up and step-down” rules). That way, you won’t pay more tax than you’re legally required to.
For certain charitably inclined taxpayers, donating appreciated stock to charity can be an excellent year-end tax planning strategy. This may be especially true if the stock is highly appreciated and you’d like to sell it but are worried about the tax liability.
Your estate plan may need a tax update in light of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, even if your estate is well under the new $11.18 million estate tax exemption.
Have you recently been awarded restricted stock or do you expect to be awarded such stock this year? The Section 83(b) election can be beneficial if the income at the grant date is negligible or the stock is likely to appreciate significantly. Here’s why.