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:

Discount Rate

The interest rate charged to commercial banks and other financial institutions for the loans they receive from the central bank's discount window.

Reserve Requirement

Regulations set by central banks determining the minimum amount of reserves each bank must hold as a proportion of its deposits.

Protection Against Inflation

Strategies or financial instruments designed to safeguard an individual's or entity's purchasing power from the erosion effects of inflation.

Liquid Assets

Assets that can be quickly and easily converted into cash with little to no loss in value.