What if a person was to give you a gift worth more than what is allowed. I believe the value can't be worth more than $13K. .It is not cash. You are still subject to a tax even if you cannot sell it. It would be like going on a game show and winning a car. If if I can't drive so I personally don't directly benefit. But I still owe taxes. I really am happy with this outcome as long as I at least get my money back. But if I owe yet even more to the IRS. A substantial amount that is. And I cannot even sell those shares for the tax burden then I lose twice.