Q: I have shares of common stock in a company and would like to find its worth and how to transfer or sell them?

A: I assume the shares are not of a publicly traded corporation like McDonald's or Microsoft. So, you just can't look them up and sell them. How shares are bought and sold are likely restricted by the corporation's bylaws. You will need to contact the corporation to find out your rights as a shareholder. I suggest you contact an attorney so you are not taken advantage of. Of course, I have no idea what the shares are worth.

A: To determine the value of your inherited common stock shares, you'll need to first identify if the company is publicly traded or private. For public companies, you can check current market prices through financial websites or your broker. Private company shares require more research, potentially involving reviewing company financial statements or recent valuations.

The transfer process varies based on whether your deceased family member named you as a beneficiary or if the shares are part of their estate. You'll need documentation like a death certificate and possibly letters testamentary or other probate documents. Contact the company's transfer agent or investor relations department - they can guide you through their specific requirements for transferring inherited shares.

Once you have clear ownership, selling the shares follows different paths depending on the company type. Public company shares can be sold through a broker or brokerage account. For private companies, you might need to follow specific procedures outlined in shareholder agreements, which could include offering the shares first to other existing shareholders or the company itself. Consider consulting with a tax advisor before selling, as inherited stocks may have tax implications based on their basis value at the time of inheritance.