{"id":805,"date":"2022-03-11T11:50:49","date_gmt":"2022-03-11T17:50:49","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/gpswp.com\/ursadvisory\/?p=805"},"modified":"2022-04-06T12:15:43","modified_gmt":"2022-04-06T18:15:43","slug":"what-assets-get-a-step-up-in-basis-at-death","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gpswp.com\/ursadvisory\/what-assets-get-a-step-up-in-basis-at-death\/","title":{"rendered":"What Assets get a Step-Up in Basis at Death?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The “step-up in basis<\/a>” is a tax provision that allows certain types of assets to be bequeathed by owners to their heirs at current market values rather than their original purchase price, or “basis.”  For example, if a house that cost $300,000 initially, including any improvement costs, is bequeathed at its current market value of $500,000, the heirs’ basis in the home is $500,000. That means they could turn around and sell it without being responsible for the $200,000 capital gains on the property. If they later sell the property for $750,000, they will have a $250,000 capital gain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Assets that are transferred before the owner’s death do not qualify for a step-up in basis, making the recipient responsible for taxes on gains above the owner’s original cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That’s why step-up in basis is such a vital estate planning<\/a> tool. It can be especially important for assets that have gained significant value over time. However, not all assets are allowed such treatment. To optimize your estate plan for your heirs, it would be essential to know how various types of assets are treated by the IRS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Assets that Qualify for a Stepped-Up Basis<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most real properties qualify for a stepped-up basis as long as they are transferred to heirs following the property owner’s death. These assets include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n