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The Global Insight

How do I report sale of inherited stock?

Author

Mia Phillips

Updated on March 12, 2026

Report the sale of stock you inherited as a long-term capital gain regardless of how long you owned it. Check box A at the top of Form 8949, Part II, if the Form 1099-B from the broker executing the stock sale shows cost basis for the transaction was reported to the IRS.

Do I have to pay taxes on inherited stocks?

You are not liable for taxes on the inherited value of stocks you receive from someone who died. The estate of the deceased person takes care of any tax issues, and once you have received stock as part of an inheritance, the stock is yours without any taxes due.

What should I do with inherited stocks?

Selling Stocks And if the stock’s price decreased after you inherited it, you could record this as a loss and potentially reduce your tax bill. The decision to sell might be easier if you’re splitting ownership of the stocks with family members or others.

Should you sell inherited stocks?

Fortunately, no matter how long you’ve held the stock after inheriting it, your gain is treated as a long-term capital gain, which means you’ll pay the lower long-term capital gains rates instead of ordinary income taxes. Calculate your basis for the stock. Sell the stock like you would any other stock.

How do you cash in stocks of deceased?

Sell the stock by contacting the broker or agent. Often this can be done online by setting up an account. Have the proceeds deposited directly into the estate account or request a check made out to the estate. Don’t accept or cash a check made out to you.

When do you need to know cost basis of inherited stock?

In some cases, it may instead be the date six months after that person passed away If you’re going to sell stock, you need to know its cost basis in order to figure out and pay your taxes. If the price is higher than the cost basis, you can claim a capital gain, and if it’s lower than the cost basis, you can claim a capital loss.

What happens to my inherited stock when I sell it?

Fortunately, no matter how long you’ve held the stock after inheriting it, your gain is treated as a long-term capital gain, which means you’ll pay the lower long-term capital gains rates instead of ordinary income taxes. Calculate your basis for the stock. Your basis equals the average of the high and low value for the stock on the valuation date.

Can You claim a capital gain on inherited stock?

If the price is higher than the cost basis, you can claim a capital gain, and if it’s lower than the cost basis, you can claim a capital loss. If you inherit stock, the cost basis does not pass from the deceased person to you.

Why are inherited stocks subject to lower taxes?

Inherited stocks will often be subject to lower taxes because the cost-basis step-up reduces the amount of capital gains. Lawmakers created the cost basis step-up rules for a couple of reasons. As anyone who has invested for a long time can attest, keeping track of the cost basis for your stocks can be an ongoing nightmare.