Adjustments to Asset Basis and Capital Gains and Losses Flashcards
To determine net capital gains/losses for the year,
A. Net all gain transactions together and all loss transactions together, then combine.
B. Net short-term gains/losses and long-term gains/losses and report only any net gains.
C. Net all capital gains, both long-term and short-term, together.
D. Net short-term gains/losses and long-term gains/losses separately, then subtract net short-term losses from net long-term gains.
Net short-term gains/losses and long-term gains/losses separately, then subtract net short-term losses from net long-term gains.
Answer (D) is correct.
For individuals, net capital gain (NCG) is the excess of net LTCG over net STCL. Net STCG is not included in NCG. Under Sec. 1222(11) the term “net capital gain” means the excess of the net long-term capital gain for the taxable year over the net short-term capital loss for such year. Net STCG is treated as ordinary income for individuals.
Sal owns a duplex. He lives in one half and rents out the other half at fair rental value. He wants to take out depreciation on the building, the appliances, and major remodeling in the bathroom on the rental side. Which depreciation periods may Sal use?
A. 27.5-year MACRS on the whole building and 5-year MACRS on the appliances and the remodeling.
B. 27.5-year MACRS on both sides of the duplex, 7-year MACRS on the appliances and remodeling.
C. 27.5-year MACRS on the rental and remodeling, 5-year MACRS on the appliances, and no depreciation on the personal side.
D. 27.5-year MACRS on the rental side, no depreciation on the personal side, and 7-year MACRS on the appliances and remodeling.
27.5-year MACRS on the rental and remodeling, 5-year MACRS on the appliances, and no depreciation on the personal side.
Answer (C) is correct.
Residential rental property and any additions or improvements to the property are depreciated over 27.5 years. Appliances are depreciated over 5 years. No depreciation is taken for personal residential property.
The holding period for determining short-term and long-term gains and losses includes which of the following?
A. The day you acquired the property.
B. In the case of a bank that repossessed real property, the time between the original sale and the date of repossession.
C. All of the answers are correct.
D. The donor’s holding period in the case of a gift if your basis is the donor’s adjusted basis.
The donor’s holding period in the case of a gift if your basis is the donor’s adjusted basis.
Answer (D) is correct.
In the case of property received as a gift, the basis of the property is generally the same as the donor’s basis. The basis may be increased by a portion or all of the gift tax paid on the transfers. When this occurs, the holding period is carried over from the donor.
Zack had the following capital transactions during Year 2:
2/1/Yr 2 – bought 10 shares of ABC stock at $100 per share
6/1/Yr 2 – sold 100 shares of PDQ stock for $50 per share; was purchased 2/1/Yr 1 at $100 per share
9/9/Yr 2 – sold the 10 shares of ABC stock for $150 per share
How much can Zack deduct as a capital loss on his return for Year 2? (His taxable income is $30,000.)
A. $3,000 net short-term capital loss; $1,500 short-term capital loss carryover to Year 3.
B. $0 net gain or loss; $4,500 long-term capital loss carryover to Year 3.
C. $3,000 net long-term capital loss; $1,500 long-term capital loss carryover to Year 3.
D. $4,500 net long-term capital loss; $0 carryover.
$3,000 net long-term capital loss; $1,500 long-term capital loss carryover to Year 3.
Answer (C) is correct.
Capital losses can be deducted up to $3,000 per year, and the remaining loss can be carried over to the following year. Zack has a $5,000 long-term capital loss on the sale of the PDQ stock and a short-term gain of $500 on the sale of the ABC stock. This results in net long-term capital loss of $4,500. Zack is allowed to deduct $3,000 of the capital loss and carryover the remaining $1,500.
Mark sold a building for $100,000 cash plus property with a fair market value (FMV) of $10,000. He had purchased the building 5 years ago for $85,000. He made $30,000 worth of improvements and deducted $25,000 for depreciation. The buyer assumed Mark’s real estate taxes of $12,000 and mortgage of $20,000 on the building. What is the amount realized on the sale of the building? A. $110,000 B. $130,000 C. $145,500 D. $142,000
$142,000
Answer (D) is correct.
The amount realized under Sec. 1001 includes money received, fair market value of other property received, and any liabilities of which the seller is relieved. Mark’s amount realized is $142,000 ($100,000 cash + $10,000 fair market value property + $32,000 liabilities relieved).
Mr. Nehru had the following capital transactions during the current year: Short-term capital gain $1,000 Short-term capital loss 2,700 Long-term capital gain 6,500 Long-term capital loss 1,800 What is the amount of Mr. Nehru’s capital gain net income (or loss) on his current year Schedule D? A. $4,700 B. $7,500 C. $3,000 D. $(3,000)
$3,000
Answer (C) is correct.
Schedule D is used to report capital gains and losses, and the summary combines the long-term gains (losses) with the short-term gains (losses). When these capital gains and losses all net to a gain, it is called “capital gain net income” [Sec. 1222(9)]. This has occurred in the question and is computed below.
Net long-term capital gain ($6,500 – $1,800)
$4,700
Net short-term capital loss ($1,000 – $2,700)
(1,700)
Capital gain net income
$3,000
Webster received 100 shares of Gator Corporation stock as a gift from Aunt Clara on August 1, Year 2, when the fair market value of the stock was $4,000. Clara purchased the stock on June 1, Year 1, for $5,000. On September 15, Year 2, Webster sold the stock for $3,700. Webster’s loss and its character are A. $1,300 short-term capital loss. B. $300 short-term capital loss. C. $1,300 long-term capital loss. D. $300 long-term capital loss.
$300 short-term capital loss.
Answer (B) is correct.
The basis of property acquired by gift (to compute a loss) is the lower of the donor’s basis or the fair market value of the property on the date of the gift (Sec. 1015). The FMV on the date of the gift was lower than Aunt Clara’s basis, so Webster’s basis for purposes of determining loss was $4,000. Webster sold the stock for $3,700 and realized a loss of $300. Since Webster did not receive a carryover basis from Clara, the holding period was not tacked on under Sec. 1223(2). Webster’s holding period ran from the date of the gift, which is less than 1 year (from August 1 to September 15), so the character of the loss is short-term (Sec. 1222).
On July 1 of the current year, Mr. A, a cash-method taxpayer, sold a painting for which he received $50,000 in cash and a note with a face value of $50,000 and a fair market value of $35,000. He paid a commission of $5,000 on the sale. Mr. A had acquired the painting 15 years ago, and his basis was $5,000. What is A’s recognized gain for the current year? A. $90,000 B. $95,000 C. $75,000 D. $50,000
$75,000 Answer (C) is correct. The amount realized under Sec. 1001 includes money received plus the fair market value of other property. Mr. A realized $85,000 ($50,000 cash + $35,000 note). Commissions reduce the amount realized under Reg. 1.263(a)-2. Consequently, Mr. A recognized a gain of $75,000. Amount realized $85,000 Less: Commission (5,000) Net proceeds $80,000 Less: Adjusted basis (5,000) Recognized gain $75,000
Bob and Gloria sold securities during the year. The sales resulted in a capital loss of $7,000. They had no other capital transactions. Their taxable income was $26,000. How much can they deduct on their joint return? A. $4,000 B. $3,000 C. $0 D. $7,000
$3,000
Answer (B) is correct.
Individuals and other noncorporate taxpayers may deduct up to $3,000 of a capital loss against ordinary income. Any excess capital loss may be carried over for an unlimited time period until the loss is exhausted.
During the current year, Mr. Patel sold a piece of land he had purchased for $40,000. The buyer paid cash of $50,000 and transferred to Mr. Patel a piece of farm equipment having a fair market value of $30,000. The buyer also assumed Mr. Patel’s $10,000 loan on the land. Mr. Patel paid selling expenses of $5,000. What is Mr. Patel’s recognized gain on this sale? A. $45,000 B. $90,000 C. $25,000 D. $50,000
$45,000 Answer (A) is correct. The amount realized under Sec. 1001 includes money received, fair market value of other property received, and any liabilities of which the seller is relieved. Mr. Patel realized $90,000 ($50,000 cash + $30,000 fair market value equipment + $10,000 liability relieved). Under Reg. 1.263(a)-2, selling expenses reduce the amount realized. Section 1001(a) provides that the gain from the sale of property is the excess of the amount realized over the adjusted basis. Therefore, Mr. Patel recognized a gain of $45,000. Amount realized $90,000 Less: Selling expenses (5,000) Net proceeds $85,000 Less: Adjusted basis (40,000) Realized and recognized gain $45,000
On March 10 of this year, James Rogers sold 300 shares of Red Company common stock for $4,200. Rogers acquired the stock 4 years ago at a cost of $5,000. On April 4 of this year, he repurchased 300 shares of Red Company common stock for $3,600 and held them until July 18 of this year, when he sold them for $6,000. How should Rogers report the above transactions for the year?
A. A long-term capital gain of $1,600.
B. A long-term capital gain of $1,000.
C. A long-term capital loss of $800 and a short-term capital gain of $2,400.
D. A long-term capital loss of $800.
A long-term capital gain of $1,600.
Answer (A) is correct.
The sale of stock on March 10 was a wash sale under Sec. 1091 because identical stock was repurchased within 30 days (on April 4). No deduction is allowable for any loss that occurs in a wash sale. The $800 realized loss ($4,200 – $5,000) that occurred in March will not be recognized for tax purposes. The disallowed loss is added to the basis of the stock that is subsequently purchased in April. The basis in the stock purchased in April is $4,400 ($3,600 cost + $800 disallowed loss), and a gain of $1,600 is recognized when the stock is sold for $6,000 on July 18. The holding period of stock acquired in a wash sale includes the holding period of the originally purchased stock, so the gain is long-term.
Emma’s brother purchased 100 shares of Clockwork, Inc., stock for $10 per share on December 30, 2017. Emma inherited the shares of Clockwork stock from her brother on September 15, 2018, when it had a fair market value of $15 per share. On December 20, 2019, she sold the stock for $20 per share. What is the amount and character of her gain?
A. The gain of $1,000 is long-term capital gain.
B. The gain of $500 is short-term capital gain.
C. The gain of $500 is long-term capital gain.
D. The gain of $1,000 is short-term capital gain.
The gain of $500 is long-term capital gain. Answer (C) is correct. The basis for inherited property is the fair market value (FMV) on the date of the death or at some alternate date (as specified in the tax code). In addition, all inherited property has a long-term holding period. A gain is determined by subtracting the adjusted basis from the amount realized. Amount realized $2,000 (100 shares × $20/share) – Adjusted basis (1,500) (100 shares × $15/share) Gain $ 500 Thus, Emma has a long-term gain of $500.
In December of the current year, Emily sold an antique rug for $4,100. She bought the rug 6 years ago for $1,100. What is her taxable gain, and at what maximum rate will it be taxed?
A. $1,500 long-term capital gain, taxed at 28% rate.
B. $3,000 long-term capital gain, taxed at a regular rate.
C. $1,500 long-term capital gain, taxed at a regular rate.
D. $3,000 long-term capital gain, taxed at 28% rate.
$3,000 long-term capital gain, taxed at 28% rate.
Answer (D) is correct.
The sale of the antique rug qualifies as a sale of a collectible item. For individuals, capital transactions involving long-term holding periods are grouped by tax rates. A 28% rate is applied to gains or losses from the sale of collectible items. The amount of the gain is $3,000 ($4,100 FMV – $1,100 basis).
Mr. Richards made a personal loan of $6,000 to Mr. Henry on January 30, Year 1, so that he could meet personal obligations. The loan was evidenced by a promise to pay and was to bear interest at the prevailing rate. Mr. Henry repaid $1,000 of the loan in Year 2. On June 30, Year 3, Mr. Henry filed for bankruptcy, and settlement was made with his creditors. Under the bankruptcy plan, Mr. Richards received $1,000 in settlement of his claim in Year 3. This is the only gain or loss incurred by Mr. Richards in Year 3. On his Year 3 income tax return, Mr. Richards can deduct A. $4,000 as a short-term capital loss. B. $4,000 as an ordinary loss. C. $3,000 as a short-term capital loss. D. $4,000 as a long-term capital loss.
$3,000 as a short-term capital loss.
Answer (C) is correct.
A taxpayer is entitled to a deduction when a debt becomes worthless during the tax year. The loss by an individual is considered a short-term capital loss if the debt was a nonbusiness debt. A nonbusiness debt is one not created or acquired in connection with the creditor’s trade or business. Assuming Mr. Richards was not in the business of lending money, the debt was a nonbusiness bad debt, and the loss is treated as a short-term capital loss. The amount of the loss equals the $6,000 originally lent less the $2,000 principal collected in Year 2 and Year 3. Of this $4,000 loss, only $3,000 may be deducted in Year 3 (the annual limit).
During Year 1, Mr. F acquired 100 shares of stock in ABC Corporation for $500. During Year 3, he sold the stock for $1,000. His adjusted basis in the stock at the time of sale was $500, and he had no other capital gains or losses during the year. What is the amount and character of income to be reported on F’s income tax return for Year 3? A. $500 short-term capital gain. B. $500 long-term capital gain. C. $500 ordinary income. D. $500 tax-exempt income.
$500 long-term capital gain.
Answer (B) is correct.
F’s gain is the amount realized less the adjusted basis of the stock. The amount realized is the $1,000 selling price. The adjusted basis is the original $500 purchase price. Therefore, his gain is $500 ($1,000 – $500). Stock acquired as an investment or by a trader is a capital asset. The character of the gain is long-term capital gain. Under Sec. 1222(3), long-term capital gain is gain from the sale or exchange of a capital asset held for more than 1 year.
Mark sold a building for $100,000 cash plus property with a fair market value (FMV) of $10,000. He had purchased the building 5 years ago for $85,000. He made $30,000 worth of improvements and deducted $25,000 for depreciation. The buyer assumed Mark’s real estate taxes of $12,000 and mortgage of $20,000 on the building. Mark paid selling expenses of $3,500. What amount of gain should be recognized on the sale of the building? A. $16,500 B. $36,500 C. $48,500 D. $52,000
$48,500 Answer (C) is correct. The amount realized under Sec. 1001 includes money received, fair market value of other property received, and any liabilities of which the seller is relieved. Mark realized $142,000 ($100,000 cash + $10,000 fair market value property + $32,000 liability relieved). Under Reg. 1.263(a)-2, selling expenses reduce the amount realized. Section 1001(a) provides that the gain from the sale of property is the excess of the amount realized over the adjusted basis. His adjusted basis in the building is $90,000 ($85,000 purchase price + $30,000 capital improvements – $25,000 depreciation). Therefore, Mark recognized a gain of $48,500. Amount realized $142,000 Less: Selling expenses (3,500) Net proceeds $138,500 Less: Adjusted basis (90,000) Realized and recognized gain $ 48,500
If 100 shares of stock are purchased on February 14, 2019, what is the earliest date on which the stock can be sold and the gain or loss can qualify for the long-term holding period? A. August 14, 2020. B. February 14, 2020. C. February 15, 2020. D. August 15, 2020.
February 15, 2020.
Answer (C) is correct.
The holding period of an asset for purposes of long-term gain treatment is more than 1 year from the date of acquisition, not including the day of acquisition but including the day of disposition.
Bob sold securities in Year 1. The sales resulted in a capital loss of $7,000. He had no other capital transactions. He and his wife Gloria decide to file separate returns for Year 1. His taxable income was $26,000. What amount of capital loss can he deduct on his Year 1 return, and what amount can he carry over to Year 2?
A. $7,000 in Year 1 and $0 carryover to Year 2.
B. $3,000 in Year 1 and $4,000 carryover to Year 2.
C. $4,000 in Year 1 and $3,000 carryover to Year 2.
D. $1,500 in Year 1 and $5,500 carryover to Year 2.
$1,500 in Year 1 and $5,500 carryover to Year 2.
Answer (D) is correct.
If capital losses exceed capital gains for the tax year, the excess is taken into account as negative taxable income for up to $3,000 ($1,500 if married filing a separate return). Thus, Bob will deduct $1,500 in Year 1 and carry over $5,500 to Year 2.
On January 1, Mr. D owned rental property with an adjusted basis to him of $250,000. Mr. D made the following expenditures during the year: Ordinary painting of the building $ 5,000 Repair of one section of the roof (useful life not appreciably extended) 2,500 Legal fees paid to defend title 10,000 Property taxes 6,000 Assessment for local improvement of street that increased the value of the property appreciably 15,000 Not considering depreciation, what is Mr. D’s basis in the property at year end? A. $275,000 B. $240,000 C. $225,000 D. $260,000
$275,000 Answer (A) is correct. Under Reg. 1.162-4, repairs are deductible, while improvements that prolong the life of property or materially increase its value must be capitalized. Therefore, the ordinary painting of a building and repair of a roof, which does not appreciably extend the useful life, are deductible and do not increase basis. Property taxes are also deductible under Sec. 164 and therefore do not increase basis. But assessments for local improvements of the street that increase the value of the property are not deductible and do increase the basis of property [Sec. 164(c)(1)]. Also, expenses paid or incurred in defending or perfecting title of property constitute a part of the cost of property and are not deductible [Reg. 1.212-1(k)]. Therefore, Mr. D’s basis in the property is as follows: Beginning basis $250,000 Fees to defend title 10,000 Assessment for improvements 15,000 Basis at year end $275,000
During 2018, Dana had a capital loss of $5,233 on a sale of investment property. Dana had no other capital transactions. Her 2018 tax return reflected ordinary income of $42,500 and taxable income (before exemptions) of $1,057. What is the amount of the capital loss carryover to 2019? A. $1,176 B. $4,176 C. $0 D. $2,233
$2,233
Answer (D) is correct.
Individuals and other noncorporate taxpayers may deduct up to $3,000 of a capital loss against ordinary income. Any excess capital loss may be carried over for an unlimited time period until the loss is exhausted. A capital loss carried over to a later tax year retains its long-term or short-term character for the year to which it is carried. A short-term capital loss carryover offsets short-term gain first in the carryover year. If a net short-term capital loss results, this loss offsets long-term capital gain and up to $3,000 of ordinary income on a dollar-for-dollar basis. Therefore, $3,000 of Dana’s capital loss may be deducted against ordinary income in the current year, and $2,233 ($5,233 – $3,000) can be carried over to the following years.
An individual taxpayer has capital gain distributions only and no other capital gains. Which of the following satisfies the reporting requirements?
A. If there are no other capital gains, capital gain distributions must be combined with interest on the Schedule B.
B. Dividends and capital gains distributions are totaled on Schedule B and carried to the front page of Form 1040.
C. No Schedule D is required and the amount is entered directly on Schedule 1, Form 1040.
D. All capital gain distributions must be entered on Schedule B.
No Schedule D is required and the amount is entered directly on Schedule 1, Form 1040.
Answer (C) is correct.
Form 1040, Schedule D is used to compute and summarize total capital gains and/or losses on the sale or disposition of capital assets. In this scenario, the taxpayer only has capital gain distributions and no other types of capital gains. Therefore, Schedule D is not required and the amount is reported directly on Schedule 1, Form 1040.
In January of Year 1, Kirk Kelly bought 100 shares of a listed stock for $8,000. In March of Year 2 when the fair market value was $6,000, Kirk gave this stock to his cousin Clara. No gift tax was paid. Clara sold this stock in June of Year 3 for $7,000. How much is Clara’s reportable gain or loss in Year 3 on the sale of this stock? A. $0 B. $1,000 loss. C. $7,000 gain. D. $1,000 gain.
$0
Answer (A) is correct.
The basis of property received by gift is the donor’s basis (transferred or carryover basis). If the fair market value of the property at the time of the gift is lower, however, the basis for purposes of determining loss is the fair market value (Sec. 1015). Clara’s basis for gain is $8,000, and her basis for loss is $6,000. Therefore, neither gain nor loss is recognized [Reg. 1.1015-1(a)(2)].
Gain Loss Sales price $ 7,000 $ 7,000 Less: Basis (8,000) (6,000) Gain (loss) No gain No loss
Which of the following statements is false?
A. The excess of the amount realized from a sale or exchange of property over the adjusted basis of the property is always recognized gain.
B. The adjusted basis of the property is always the original cost or other original basis adjusted for such items as casualty losses, improvements, and depreciation.
C. A sale is generally a transfer of property for money only or for a promise to pay money.
D. An exchange is a transfer of property in return for other property or services.
The excess of the amount realized from a sale or exchange of property over the adjusted basis of the property is always recognized gain.
Answer (A) is correct.
Several property transactions give rise to a realized gain or loss that is not recognized. Examples include like-kind exchanges, involuntary conversions, and the sale of a principal residence. In most cases, a nontaxable transaction results only in deferral of gain. The basis of the new or acquired property is either the same as the basis in the old property or the cost of the new property less any gain not recognized. With a low basis in the new or acquired property, the deferred gain is generally recognized when the property is again disposed of in a taxable transaction.
Mr. Smith, a single taxpayer, died in 2019. His 2019 taxable income of $40,000 included the following stock transactions:
Adjusted Selling Stock Purchased Sold Basis Price Charlie 03/18/19 5/20/19 $3,000 $4,500 Edward 10/10/16 7/11/19 5,500 1,100 Diane 04/23/19 7/29/19 1,700 1,600 Meg 02/05/17 9/16/19 8,000 6,000 What is the amount of the capital loss deduction for 2019 and the amount of the capital loss carryover to the decedent’s estate?
Capital Loss
Deduction
Carryover
A. $3,000 $0 B. $5,000 $0 C. $5,000 $3,000 D. $3,000 $2,000
$3,000
$0
Answer (A) is correct.
Individuals and other noncorporate taxpayers may deduct up to $3,000 of a capital loss against ordinary income. Any excess capital loss may be carried over for an unlimited time period until the loss is exhausted. However, there can be no carryover from a decedent to his or her estate. Therefore, $3,000 of Mr. Smith’s capital loss may be deducted, and there is no carryover.