Ian Bryzek, CPA
How is basis reviewed after one spouse dies?
The surviving spouse should gather ownership and value records before relying on the deed alone.
A couple's home may have been purchased, refinanced, or transferred through a trust over many years.
California ownership characterization is a legal question and can affect the tax analysis.
What to gather
- Current deed
- Trust and marital-property documents
- Date-of-death appraisal
- Prior purchase and refinance records
Who usually handles what
- Ian can organize the tax reporting question and the supporting records.
- James Valdez can provide an independent residential fair-market-value appraisal.
- An estate attorney handles title, authority, trust terms, and beneficiary rights.
A practical next step
Have counsel confirm ownership facts before Ian completes the tax analysis.
When a property value is part of the picture
When residential real estate needs a supported fair market value as of a relevant date, an independent appraiser may be part of the documentation process. Ian does not determine fair market value.
Questions about title, probate authority, trust meaning, or a beneficiary's legal rights belong with an estate attorney. Start with the Professionals directory: /professionals/
Related guides
This is general tax information, not tax or legal advice. Outcomes depend on the documents, ownership, timing, and law that apply to the particular facts.