If only 20 widgetshares exists in the world and we each have 50% (you have 10 and I have 10) and the market for widgetshares is $200.
Should you be taxed for your theoretical $5.26 gain if I destroy 1 widgetshare but you haven't sold any. Buy backs are no different. You will pay taxes if you sell.
Personally, I think you should pay taxes if you take out a loan using the market value of the shares as collateral. This is where everything starts getting funny and companies and individuals start being able to avoid taxes forever.
At the time of death, either make the estate pay capital gains taxes on the market value of the assets, or just don't give the heirs a stepped-up basis. It will catch up eventually.
If only 20 widgetshares exists in the world and we each have 50% (you have 10 and I have 10) and the market for widgetshares is $200.
Should you be taxed for your theoretical $5.26 gain if I destroy 1 widgetshare but you haven't sold any. Buy backs are no different. You will pay taxes if you sell.
Personally, I think you should pay taxes if you take out a loan using the market value of the shares as collateral. This is where everything starts getting funny and companies and individuals start being able to avoid taxes forever.