Cost basis of an Inherited Home With a Life Estate - With a Twist

[Mike7388]

15 years ago, my parents jointly deeded their house to me and retained a life estate interest as recorded in the deed.  Seven years ago, my father died.  My mother continued to live in the house until this past April when she passed away.  My question is how do I determine my cost basis in the house for Federal income tax purposes.  Is my basis soley based on the market value when my Mother died, or does my father's death factor in at all.  My father left all of his possessions to my mother upon his passing, although there was no specific reference to the house.

[Critter-3]

Is my basis soley based on the market value when my Mother died  ... 

YES ...dad's passing  doesn't factor in at all in this case. 

[tagteam · Accepted solution]

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@Mike7388 wrote:

Is my basis soley based on the market value when my Mother died, or does my father's death factor in at all.  

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If the house was jointly owned (which it appears it certainly was) and the value was included in your father's gross estate and your mother's gross estate (which is almost a certainty as well), then your basis would be the fair market value on the date of death of your mother (the last life tenant to die).

[Mike7388]

Thank you.