even to a spouse? Here, If, per your Will, you leave your assets to your spouse, they get it at your cost base. It's when the last dies, that the gain hits. Also here, capital losses (ie on stocks) can only be offset against capital gains. You can carry them back 3 yrs to offset against gains and future indefinitely to the extent not used. If you die, your losses can be used to offset other income - which is my tax planning.