Skip to main content

​
Investment Accounts Guide

The Sunset API helps you manage investment accounts including brokerage accounts, mutual funds, stocks, and cryptocurrency. This guide covers the workflow from discovery through transfer or liquidation.

​
API Path

/cases/{case_id}/investment-accounts
/cases/{case_id}/investment-accounts/{account_id}

​
Typical Workflow

​
1. Add discovered accounts with holdings

Record investment accounts with their individual holdings: 
curl -X POST "https://api.example.com/v1/cases/{case_id}/investment-accounts" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "account_type": "brokerage",
    "custodian_name": "Charles Schwab",
    "account_number": "8765-4321",
    "status": "active",
    "balance": 92500.00,
    "date_of_death_value": 89750.00,
    "holdings": [
      {
        "symbol": "AAPL",
        "name": "Apple Inc.",
        "quantity": 100,
        "market_value": 17500.00,
        "cost_basis": 12000.00,
        "asset_class": "stock"
      },
      {
        "symbol": "VXUS",
        "name": "Vanguard Total Intl Stock ETF",
        "quantity": 500,
        "market_value": 27500.00,
        "cost_basis": 25000.00,
        "asset_class": "etf"
      },
      {
        "symbol": "BTC",
        "name": "Bitcoin",
        "quantity": 0.75,
        "market_value": 47500.00,
        "cost_basis": 30000.00,
        "asset_class": "cryptocurrency"
      }
    ]
  }'

​
2. Record date-of-death valuation

The date-of-death value establishes the stepped-up cost basis for tax purposes: 
curl -X PATCH "https://api.example.com/v1/cases/{case_id}/investment-accounts/{account_id}" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "date_of_death_value": 89750.00,
    "notes": "Valuation obtained from Schwab as of 2025-09-15"
  }'

​
3. Track transfer or liquidation

curl -X PATCH "https://api.example.com/v1/cases/{case_id}/investment-accounts/{account_id}" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "transfer_status": "transferred",
    "status": "transferred",
    "notes": "Transferred in-kind to beneficiary account #INH-5678"
  }'

​
Account Types

TypeDescription
brokerageStandard brokerage account
mutual_fundMutual fund account
etfETF-focused account
individual_stocksDirect stock holdings
individual_bondsBond portfolio
managed_accountProfessionally managed account
529_planEducation savings plan
private_equityPrivate equity investment
cryptocurrencyCrypto holdings
otherOther investment type

​
Asset Classes (Holdings)

ClassDescription
stockIndividual stocks
bondIndividual bonds
mutual_fundMutual fund shares
etfExchange-traded fund shares
optionOptions contracts
cryptocurrencyDigital currency
cashCash or cash equivalents
otherOther asset class

​
Key Considerations

  • Stepped-up cost basis: Inherited investments receive a stepped-up cost basis to the date-of-death value, potentially eliminating capital gains tax.
  • Date-of-death valuation must be documented for tax purposes. Request a formal statement from the custodian.
  • TOD (Transfer on Death) designated accounts pass directly to the named beneficiary outside of probate.
  • In-kind transfers preserve the holdings without selling. This avoids taxable events during transfer.
  • Cryptocurrency may require special handling for wallet access and private keys.
  • Community property states may allow a full step-up in basis for both spouses’ shares.