The increase in value of the stock, from the time the decedent purchased it until his or her death, does not get taxed. Therefore, the beneficiaries of the stock will only be liable for income on capital gains earned during their own lifetimes.

What is the basis for inherited stocks?

The cost basis for inherited stock is usually based on its value on the date of the original owner’s death, whether it has gained or lost value since he or she purchased it. If the stock is worth more than the purchase price, the value is stepped up to the value at death.

What happens to stock when owner dies?

When you die, the stocks immediately transfer to the surviving joint owner. The stocks don’t go through the probate process and are never included with your estate. The stocks are then registered in his name, making him the sole owner of your stocks.

What happens to inherited stock in an estate?

In many cases, when individuals with larger estates die, they may have some type of stock to pass on to a beneficiary. When this happens, the stock ownership can go directly to the beneficiary according to the estate planning documents that the individual prepared.

Where can I find the cost basis of inherited stock?

If the decedent’s estate executor filed an estate tax return, use the value of shares reported on the tax return as your cost basis for the inherited stock. If no estate tax return was filed, you can find the stock’s closing price on the date of death through historical share price information on Yahoo Finance and Google Finance.

What kind of taxes do you pay on inherited stock?

Gains from the sale of inherited stock are classified as long-term capital gains, even if you sell the shares shortly after obtaining them. The tax rate for long-term gains is lower than the rate on short-term gains or your regular income tax rate. Tim Plaehn has been writing financial, investment and trading articles and blogs since 2007.

What should I do with my inherited shares?

Inheriting shares involves a certain amount of paperwork to get them re-registered into a new ownership – and tax implications for the new owner should you wish to sell your inherited shares. The most efficient way to hold shares is in an ISA, as it means less money is handed over to the taxman Here’s…