Taxes: Transactions in Property
Taxes: Transactions in Property
However, for purposes of determining a loss, the basis of the property in the hands of the trans-
feree shall not be greater than the fair market value of the property at the time of the transfer.
EXAMPLE: Alan transfers property to his sister, Brianna, for $60,000. The property has a basis of $40,000 and a
FMV of $90, 000 at date of transfer. Alanmust recognize a gain of $60,000 - $40,000 = $20,000, and has made a .
gift to Brianna of $90, 000 - $60,000 = $30,000. Brianna's basis for the property is $60,000.
EXAMPLE: Brenda transfers property to her brother, Carl, for $30,000. The transferred property has a basis of
$40,000 and a FMV of $90,000 at date of transfer. Brenda's realized loss of $40,000 - $30,000 = $10,000 cannot
be recognized, and she has made a gift to Carl of $90,000 - $30,000 = $60,000. Carl's basis for the property is
$40,000.
EXAMPLE: David transfers property to his son, Evan, for $30,000. The property has a basis of $90,000 and a
FMV of $60,000 at date of transfer. David's realized loss of $90,000 - $30,000 = $60,000 cannot be recognized,
and he has made a gift to Evan of $60,000 - $30,000 = $30,000. Evan's basis for the property is $90,000. How-
ever, for purposes of determining a loss on a later sale or other disposition of the property by Evan, the property's
basis is limited to its FMV at date of transfer of $60, 000.
d. If property is transferred to a trust for the benefit of a spouse or former spouse (incident to di-
vorce)
(1) Gain is recognized to the extent that the amount of liabilities assumed exceeds the total ad-
justed basis of property transferred.
a. Stock in trade, inventory, or goods held primarily for sale to customers in the normal course of
business