This assignment is to be done ALONE. It is due IN CLASS by the posted due date with no exceptions. Other than the textbook and class notes, the ONLY other resources that should be used is CCH from the Library. Any other source is prohibited and WILL be sanctioned by course failure.
Gaylord Focker died January 13, 2013, and his gross estate consisted of three properties-cash, land and stock in a public company. The amount of cash on the date of his death was $2.9 million, which went into the estate. On January 13, 2013, the land had a fair market value of $1 million, and the stock had a fair market value of $2 million. On July 13, 2013, the fair market values of the land and stock were $1.1 million and $1.6 million, respectively, and the cash remained at $2.9 million. Assume, for simplicity, that the estate has no deductions and Gaylord made no taxable gifts. Gaylord willed all of his property to his daughter, Gilda, who anticipated that, beginning in July 2013, the stock would appreciate at the rate of 9% per year before taxes. She anticipates selling the stock on or about July 13, 2019. Assume that the land's fair market value will remain at $1.1 million through 2019 and that she anticipates retaining the land for the rest of her life.
Considering both income tax and estate tax effect, compare after-tax wealth using the alternate valuation date or the date of death to value the estate. Which date should the executor had elected? For simplicity, assume that the case is not invested. (Incidentally, the factor tor the future value, six years hence, at 9% is 1.677.) Assume that the gain will be taxed at a 20% capital gains rate and will be subject to the 3.8% tax on net investment income (i.e., at a 23.8% rate.) if you decide to provide any calculations.
You should communicate your findings in a work paper memo.