Troy Is Not a Very Astute Investor

question 77

Essay

Troy is not a very astute investor.He has a knack for investing in losing stocks.In his latest investment move, he has realized a loss of about $40,000 (original basis of $50,000; current fair market value of $10,000)in High Tech, Inc.The good news is that unlike prior years, he actually has $45,000 of gains that he can use to offset the loss.Troy is considering either selling the High Tech, Inc.stock to his sister, Louise, or on the stock market.Which should he choose and why? Please explain why the IRS may treat the two transactions differently.

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Definitions:

Ultimate Attribution Error

Tendency to attribute bad outgroup and good ingroup behaviour internally, and to attribute good outgroup and bad ingroup behaviour externally.

Scapegoating

The practice of unfairly blaming an individual or group for problems or negative outcomes, often to divert attention from the real causes.

Actualisation

The realization or fulfillment of one's talents and potentialities, especially considered as a drive or need present in everyone.