WES: Sell vs Hold vs Inherit

300 units of Western Midstream Partners — breakeven price, tax comparison, §1014 step-up analysis.

This tool provides projections based on assumptions. It does not constitute tax, legal, or investment advice. Consult a qualified CPA or financial advisor before making decisions based on this output.

Position: 300 units of Western Midstream Partners at $42/unit

Tax assumptions: 32% bracket, MFJ, NIIT, §199A QBI deduction. Unit appreciation: 3.5%/year.

Should You Sell WES or Hold?

We computed three exit strategies for each holding period: sell now, hold and collect distributions, and hold until death (§1014 step-up). Every number comes from the IRS Partner's Basis Worksheet.

5-Year Horizon

Sell Now

Proceeds: $13,041

Tax: -$325

Net: $12,716

Hold 5 Years, Then Sell

Distributions: $5,051

Dist. tax: -$223

Terminal FMV: $14,965

Exit tax: -$NaN

Net: $NaN

Hold Until Death

Heir receives: $14,965

Tax eliminated: $1,748

Total: $19,793

Breakeven Price

$73/unit

Selling only makes sense above this price over a 5-year horizon.

10-Year Horizon

Sell Now

Proceeds: $13,041

Tax: -$325

Net: $12,716

Hold 10 Years, Then Sell

Distributions: $12,921

Dist. tax: -$570

Terminal FMV: $17,774

Exit tax: -$NaN

Net: $NaN

Hold Until Death

Heir receives: $17,774

Tax eliminated: $3,852

Total: $30,125

Breakeven Price

$115/unit

Selling only makes sense above this price over a 10-year horizon.

15-Year Horizon

Sell Now

Proceeds: $13,041

Tax: -$325

Net: $12,716

Hold 15 Years, Then Sell

Distributions: $22,966

Dist. tax: -$2,492

Terminal FMV: $21,109

Exit tax: -$NaN

Net: $NaN

Hold Until Death

Heir receives: $21,109

Tax eliminated: $4,922

Total: $41,583

Breakeven Price

$162/unit

Selling only makes sense above this price over a 15-year horizon.

20-Year Horizon

Sell Now

Proceeds: $13,041

Tax: -$325

Net: $12,716

Hold 20 Years, Then Sell

Distributions: $35,786

Dist. tax: -$5,107

Terminal FMV: $25,071

Exit tax: -$NaN

Net: $NaN

Hold Until Death

Heir receives: $25,071

Tax eliminated: $5,985

Total: $55,750

Breakeven Price

$220/unit

Selling only makes sense above this price over a 20-year horizon.

Bottom Line

Holding 19 more years and letting heirs inherit produces $43,034 more than selling today. Your heirs receive $25,071 with a fresh stepped-up basis, eliminating $5,985 in deferred taxes and ~$12,000 in §751 recapture. Selling would only make sense above $220.13/unit.

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Computed by lucasandersen.ai MLP Tax Simulator v0.1.0. 2026-04-03. Not tax advice.