Cost basis change due to death?

Is there any known procedure for changing the cost basis of each security in a portfolio after the death of one spouse? In the past I've seen suggestions to enter in a sell for each position and then enter a buy at the new cost basis but surely Quicken can do better than that....

Answers

  • q_lurker
    q_lurker SuperUser ✭✭✭✭✭
    I would use Remove Shares and Add Shares
  • Frankx
    Frankx SuperUser ✭✭✭✭✭
    Hi @Rod Rasmussen

    Exactly what would you expect Quicken to do to "do better" about this isolated tax-related issue?  Do you have any specific suggestions on how or what Quicken should do? 

    In most cases, this would be a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence where that fact variables are so numerous it would be almost impossible to program without significant changes to the type of data collected and maintained within the application for two lifetimes. Do you really expect a personal financial program that on average costs less than $50.00 to track/compute the step-up in tax basis for a once in a lifetime event?

    Frankx

                            Quicken Home, Business & Rental Property - Windows 10-Home Version

                                             - - - - Quicken User since 1984 - - - 
      -  If you find this reply helpful, please click "Helpful" (below), so others will know! Thank you.  -

  • Sherlock
    Sherlock Member ✭✭✭✭
    The stepped up basis is achieved by entering a Removed and an Added action transaction for the holdings.

  • NotACPA
    NotACPA SuperUser ✭✭✭✭✭
    AND you only need a single Removed transaction for each security and a single Add (as of the date of death) for each security.
    This isn't difficult.

    Q user since February, 1990. DOS Version 4
    Now running Quicken Windows Subscription, Business & Personal
    Retired "Certified Information Systems Auditor" & Bank Audit VP

  • Rocket J Squirrel
    Rocket J Squirrel SuperUser ✭✭✭✭✭
    Inherited securities are considered long-term holdings for tax purposes. So while the date of the Remove & Add should be date of death, one might want to back-date Date Acquired one year if using Quicken's tax features.

    Quicken user since version 2 for DOS, now using QWin Biz & Personal Subscription (US) on Win10 Pro.