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:

Demand Shifts

Refers to the change in the quantity demanded of a good or service at any given price, caused by factors other than the price of the good itself.

New Equilibrium

The state reached when market forces realign, resulting in a new balance between supply and demand after a disturbance.

Total Surplus

The aggregate net benefit to society derived from the production and consumption of a good or service, comprising both consumer and producer surplus.

Equilibrium Price

The market price at which the quantity of goods supplied is equal to the quantity of goods demanded, achieving a state of market balance.