Cost basis calculation for stock sold

[terryandjerry]

How do I figure the cost basis for shares that I sold when the purchase of those shares was over 30 years ago and dates unknown for all but the last few. Most of the shares were purchased prior to 1985 and the dividends were re-invested in the stock to purchase more shares. So I don't even know what the original purchase amount was.

[Anonymous_ · Accepted solution]

There are resources online for that purpose, but you at least need to know the acquisition date.

Otherwise, you are stuck with using a zero ($0) basis.