@toyaa0 wrote:
.....I am looking for ways / conditions that a stepped-up basis can apply to a gift, not inheritance
There is the possibility of a retained life estate (either expressed or implied).
See https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/26/20.2036-1
However, @TomD8 is correct; there is otherwise no stepped-up basis for an inter vivos gift.
Note that the life tenant must pass away with the property in the estate for the stepped-up basis to be applicable to the remainderman.
