Ludwig died on April 5,2016.As part of his will,he leaves land for which he paid $6,000 on December 31,2015,to his son Don.On April 5,2016,the land is worth $11,000.However,due to local real estate conditions,the land declines in value.On July 28 it is worth only $10,000; it declines further to $9,000 on October 5 and plunges to $7,000 on December 18.
I.In the absence of any special elections,Don's basis in the land is $11,000.
II.If the executor elects the alternate valuation date and distributes the land to Don on July 28,Don's basis in the land will be $9,000.
III.If the executor elects the alternate valuation date and distributes the land to Don on December 18,Don's basis will be $7,000.
IV.In the absence of any special elections,if the executor distributes the land to Don on October 5,Don's basis in the land will be $9,000.

Question

Ludwig died on April 5,2016.As part of his will,he leaves land for which he paid $6,000 on December 31,2015,to his son Don.On April 5,2016,the land is worth $11,000.However,due to local real estate conditions,the land declines in value.On July 28 it is worth only $10,000; it declines further to $9,000 on October 5 and plunges to $7,000 on December 18.
I.In the absence of any special elections,Don's basis in the land is $11,000.
II.If the executor elects the alternate valuation date and distributes the land to Don on July 28,Don's basis in the land will be $9,000.
III.If the executor elects the alternate valuation date and distributes the land to Don on December 18,Don's basis will be $7,000.
IV.In the absence of any special elections,if the executor distributes the land to Don on October 5,Don's basis in the land will be $9,000.
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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In the absence of any special elections, the basis of inherited property is generally the fair market value at the date of the decedent's death, which is $11,000 in this case.

Ludwig Died on April 5,2016