If cost basis on 1099-B is not reported because I moved my ESPP shares to another broker, then how can I calculate cost basis for shares sold acquired in diff times?

[binoy-dash]

I have ESPP shares from my ex-employer, which I got before 2012. In 2017, I moved those ESPP shares to another broker and in 2018 sold few shares through this new broker. 1099-B sent by new broker does not list cost-basis as they don't have acquired times and FMV of the shares to report cost basis. In this case how to I calculate cost basis?
Thanks in advance.

[pk]

Benoybabu, 

                         Since you have moved from one broker to another,  you have two ways to get the cost basis --(a) your own records  such as statements from your first broker or (b) your old employer may have data on the acquisition cost of the shares at the time of purchase i.e. historical data.  If the employer was a large employer whose stocks are publicly traded ( or even OTC ones ), there are financial sites  like Yahoo that have historical prices available.  Note that when you file your return, you do not have to provide proof of Cost Basis. However, you must have  documentation backing up your cost basis , in case of an audit.

Hope this helps

Namashkar

[binoy-dash]

pk,

Thanks for the information. As the selling through new broker does not mention which lot and acquired date and all the shares are long term, so I believe I can pick from any acquired date and corresponding price.

Thanks again for your help here,

-Binoy

[TomYoung]

"1099-B sent by new broker does not list cost-basis as they don't have acquired times and FMV of the shares to report cost basis."

"As the selling through new broker does not mention which lot and acquired date and all the shares are long term, so I believe I can pick from any acquired date and corresponding price."

Even if the new broker had all the information that the old broker had, the 1099-B would not list the FMV of the shares sold.  The broker would report your discounted "out of pocket" cost, and that's still needed to properly report the sale, even if the sale is a Qualified disposition.  The sale can still create reportable compensation, compensation that needs to be reported as and added to the out of pocket cost of the shares.

The default costing method in the absence of instructions to the contrary to the broker before settlement is FIFO so you're not really allowed to pick and choose lots after the fact.

If the old broker does have all the necessary information I'd try to get the correct lot information from them.