11.   At that point, you can add the amount of the capital loss to the cost basis of the bought-back shares.

12.   A bigger cost basis means a smaller tax bill at a future time, after you finally sell those shares, whether this year or many years hence.

13.   A bigger cost basis means a smaller tax bill.

14.   A certain portion of the amount you invested in the parent company became your cost basis for the spun-off company.

15.   After you figure the cost basis for the fractional share, you should subtract the result from your total Transocean cost basis.

16.   But if your cost basis is very low, they might rather wait and get the stock after your death.

17.   But since these were a gift, you gave her your original cost basis as well.

18.   By contrast, if someone inherits stock or mutual funds, the cost basis is stepped up to the value of the stock on the day the owner died.

19.   Can you add the buying and selling expenses when you determine the cost basis?

20.   Can you tell me how to figure the cost basis for the Agilent shares and the new cost basis for my HP shares?