After TaxTax Playbook

Tax Playbook · Investment tax wins

The step-up at death

At death, an heir usually starts with the asset's value on that date. If stock cost $20,000 but is worth $100,000 at death, the old $80,000 gain can escape capital-gains tax. This is current law and only works at death, and Congress could change it.

Good for: Families planning what they will leave behind.

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Educational summary, not tax advice. Limits and rules change — confirm current law with your tax adviser.