How do I figure the cost basis of stock that has split, giving me
more of the same stock, so I can figure my capital gain (or loss) on the sale
of the stock?
When the old stock and the new stock are identical the basis of the old
shares must be allocated to the old and new shares. Thus, you generally divide
the adjusted basis of the old stock by the number of shares of old and new
stock. The result is your new basis per share of stock. If the old shares
were purchased in separate lots for differing amounts of money, the adjusted
basis of the old stock must be allocated between the old and new stock on
a lot by lot basis.
Do I need to pay taxes on that portion of stock I gained as a result
of a split?
No, you generally do not need to pay tax on the additional shares of stock
you received due to the stock split. You will need to adjust your per share
cost of the stock. Your overall cost basis has not changed, but your per share
cost has changed.
You will have to pay taxes if you have gain when you sell the stock. Gain
is the amount of the proceeds from the sale, minus sales commissions, that
exceeds the adjusted basis of the stock sold.
10.3 Capital Gains, Losses/Sale of Home: Mutual Funds (Costs, Distributions, etc.)
How do I calculate the average cost method of a mutual fund if the
fund price splits?
If your mutual fund splits, or adjusts its price, it is treated like a
stock split. Your total basis doesn't change after the split, but since you
now own more shares without paying any more money, your per-share basis will
decrease. To calculate your per-share basis, divide the total cost that you
have invested in the fund (minus any shares previously sold) by the current
number of shares that you hold.