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As a result of a large inheritance from her grandmother, Sally has a substantial investment portfolio. The securities are held in street name by her
As a result of a large inheritance from her grandmother, Sally has a substantial investment portfolio. The securities are held in street name by her brokerage firm. Sallys broker, Max, has standing oral instructions from her on sales transactions to sell the shares with the highest cost basis.
In October Sally phoned Max and instructed him to sell shares of Color, Inc. Immediately before the sale, her portfolio had shares of Color, which were purchased in several transactions over a year period. At the end of each month, the brokerage firm provides Sally with a monthly statement that includes sales transactions. It does not identify the specific certificates transferred.
In filing her income tax return, Sally used the specific identification method to calculate a $ recognized gain on the sale. On audit of her return, the IRS has taken the position that under Reg. c Sally should have used the FIFO method to report the sale of the Color shares, resulting in a gain of $ According to this interpretation of the Regulations, Sally may not use the specific identification method and must use the FIFO method because the broker did not provide written confirmation of Sallys sales instructions.
Sally has come to you for tax advice with respect to this issue. What advice you give the sally?
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