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Basis step up on death of spouse in community property state

Hello,

Taxpaper, a widow and a California resident, sold primary residence in California, a community property state. My understanding is that in a community property state, the property got a "double step-up" in basis to fair market value as of the date of death of her husband. That is, the cost basis is adjusted to 100% of the FMV of the house (other than only 50% step up in other states).

 

How do I report the sale of the house in Turbotax, recognizing this issue? Say the married couple bought the house on 1/1/2000 for $200K, one spouse dies on 12/31/2019 (when FMV of 100% of house was $300K, and house is sold last year for $700K. Assuming for simplicity no additions for improvements, no selling costs, and no home sale exclusion, I understand the gain should be $400K ($700K - $400K).

 

Do I report the 12/31/2019 date as the "date bought or acquired" with  $300K as the "original cost"? Or do I report the original date of purchase, and original cost, and somehow adjust the basis elsewhere in Turbotax?

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2 Replies

Basis step up on death of spouse in community property state

You use the basis of $300,000 as your adjusted basis and the date of death as the date acquired because that is the date you're using to establish your new basis. The date also doesn't really matter here because the holding period would be long-term either way.

Basis step up on death of spouse in community property state

Thank you!

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