Sukdev Basi Funded an Irrevocable Simple Trust in May 2008

question 42

Essay

Sukdev Basi funded an irrevocable simple trust in May 2008. The trust benefits Sukdev's son for life and grandson upon the son's death. One of the assets he transferred to the trust was Jetco stock, which had an FMV on the transfer date of $40,000. Sukdev's basis in the stock was $44,000, and he paid no gift tax on the transfer. The stock's value has dropped to $33,000, and the trustee thinks that now, October 2011, might be the time to sell the stock and take the loss deduction. For 2011, the trust will have $20,000 of income exclusive of any gain or loss. Sukdev's taxable income is approximately $15,000. What tax and nontax issues should the trustee consider concerning the possible sale of the stock?

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Definitions:

Variable Overhead Variances

The difference between the actual variable overhead incurred and the standard cost assigned to production, indicating efficiency or inefficiency.

Efficiency Variance

The difference between the actual input used in production and the standard input expected, calculated to assess performance.

Spending Variance

The difference between the actual amount spent and the budgeted amount for a given period, indicating over or under spending.

Unfavourable Variances

Differences between actual costs and standard or expected costs that negatively impact the financial performance of an organization.