A trust’s gift of appreciated realty is deductible at fair market value (not lower adjusted basis) according to a recent decision by a U.S. District Court in Oklahoma, Mart D. Green v. United States (No. 5:13-cv-01237) (W.D. Okla. 2015).

Up-Front Takeaway. A trust shouldn’t bet—or contribute—an appreciated ranch (or other property) based on this district court decision.

First, Some Background