Regs. Sec. 1.165-5(i) allows taxpayers to solidify their loss claim on worthless securities by formally abandoning the securities. To abandon a security, the taxpayer must permanently surrender and relinquish all rights in the security and receive no consideration in exchange for it. Worthlessness is often presumed to result from an identifiable event, such as bankruptcy, liquidation, or termination of business activities. However, such an event is not necessarily required for making a claim of worthlessness if the business is completely insolvent. Also known as the shares of a debt ridden empty shell.
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