If a former employer has terminated the ESOP program, how do I determine cost basis?

A former employer has terminated the ESOP program. All stock was sold and I received a check for the sale value. (I am retired and did not roll it into an IRA. The 1099-B does not have any info in boxes 1a - 18 but does have multiple lines that deal with the sale. One line has values for proceeds with no cost basis and two lines show proceeds with a cost basis. Do I just subtract the total cost as shown, from the proceeds and enter that amount in Box 2a?

201

Expert Alumni

Apr 6, 2020 5:41:07 PM

There is no box 2(a) on a 2019 form 1099-B to the best of my knowledge. You may be referring to a form 1099-R, which is for pension plan distributions. Was this an employee stock ownership plan or a pension plan? And please check what form was issued to report your distribution and let us know so we can better understand you situation.

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If a former employer has terminated the ESOP program, how do I determine cost basis?