Finance category
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Gift Basis vs FMV Calculator
Gifted property uses the donor's carryover basis — there's no step-up at gift like there is at death. If the property has appreciated, the donee inherits all the embedded gain. If the property has depreciated, the dual basis rule applies: use donor's basis for gain calcs and FMV at gift for loss calcs. This calculator works through both scenarios.
Basis to use for gain/loss
$180,000
Recognized gain or loss
$520,000
Tax treatment rule
Gain — use donor's basis (higher gain)
How the math works
Gift basis: takes the donor's adjusted basis (carryover) — no step-up like inheritance. If the property has lost value at the time of gift, the dual basis rule applies: use donor's basis for gain calculations and FMV for loss calculations.
Gift tax-wise: donor uses lifetime exclusion ($13.61M in 2024). Annual exclusion $18K/donor/donee/year doesn't trigger gift tax. Recipient's holding period tacks on — donor's holding period continues for capital gain treatment.
EveryCalc calculators are designed for fast, practical estimates with transparent inputs and no required account. We use plain formulas, visible assumptions, and related tools so visitors can check the result from more than one angle.
Results are informational only. For financial, tax, legal, medical, construction, or other high-impact decisions, verify the output against primary sources or a qualified professional.
Learn more about our review process on the EveryCalc methodology page.
How this calculator works
What this page estimates
This Gift Basis vs FMV Calculator is built to give a quick, browser-based estimate for gift basis vs fmv. Gifted property uses the donor's carryover basis — there's no step-up at gift like there is at death. If the property has appreciated, the donee inherits all the embedded gain. If the property has depreciated, the dual basis rule applies: use donor's basis for gain calcs and FMV at gift for loss calcs. This calculator works through both scenarios. The inputs stay on the page during normal use, and the result should be treated as an estimate for planning, comparison, or education rather than professional advice.
Calculation approach
The calculator applies the standard relationship implied by the inputs, then formats the answer so it can be checked and reused. For finance tools, the most important step is using consistent units, rates, time periods, and assumptions before comparing the result with another calculator or outside quote.
Example workflow
For example, start with a realistic value you already know, change one input at a time, and watch how the answer moves. That makes it easier to tell whether the result is being driven by the main amount, the rate, the time period, or a unit conversion.
Practical checks
- Use current, real-world numbers when the result affects money, health, tax, or legal decisions.
- Run a low, base, and high case when the inputs are estimates.
- Check the related calculators below when the next decision depends on a different assumption.
How to interpret the gift basis vs fmv result
Best use
Use the result as a planning number for comparing payments, rates, returns, tax reserves, or cash-flow choices before you request a quote or make a commitment.
Cross-check
Compare the answer with the contract, lender estimate, tax form, brokerage statement, payroll record, or invoice that will control the real-world outcome.
Watch for
Do not rely on a single optimistic rate, return, or fee assumption. Money pages work best when you run low, base, and high cases and keep professional advice separate from the estimate.
This page belongs to the Finance calculator library, so the answer should be read in the context of the decision you are modeling rather than as a universal rule.
Before relying on this gift basis vs fmv estimate
Most calculator mistakes come from the inputs, not the arithmetic. Use this short audit before you reuse the answer in a spreadsheet, quote, application, or important conversation.
Confirm source numbers
Match balances, rates, fees, taxes, income, and payment dates against the lender quote, payroll record, tax form, statement, invoice, or contract.
Separate cash flow from total cost
A lower monthly payment can still cost more over time if fees, interest, taxes, or a longer term are hidden in the structure.
Run conservative cases
Test at least one higher-cost or lower-return case before using the output for a purchase, refinance, investment, loan, or tax decision.
Rerun this page when the rate, price, term, fee, tax rule, income, expense, or expected holding period changes.
How to Use
- Enter donor's adjusted basis and FMV at date of gift.
- Enter donor's holding period.
- Enter sale proceeds (if/when sold).
- Read which basis applies and the resulting gain or loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is gift basis carryover?
Tax law treats gifts as transfers without recognition — donor pays gift tax (using lifetime exclusion); donee takes carryover basis to preserve the embedded gain.
Holding period?
Donee tacks donor's holding period — long-term capital gain treatment applies even if donee sells within a year of receiving the gift, as long as donor held it long-term.
Why not gift instead of inherit?
Gift = carryover basis (no step-up). Inheritance = step-up to FMV. Heir-friendly: hold appreciated property until death.
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