4. Sealed VHS Tapes and Obscure Horror Flicks
Almost everyone threw out their VHS tapes when DVDs arrived. Consequently, sealed VHS tapes from the early 1980s are remarkably scarce. A sealed, original release of culturally significant films like Star Wars, Back to the Future, or Jaws can command premium prices.
Beyond sealed blockbusters, obscure horror and science fiction movies from the 1980s that never received a DVD or streaming release hold incredible value. Collectors hunt for “big box” VHS tapes released by long-defunct rental companies. If you bought tapes from a video rental store closing sale decades ago, you might be sitting on a niche goldmine.
I’m in my 80s now, and recently acquired a number of family items of furniture after my (older) sister passed away. I was not responsible for state or federal inheritance taxes on the financial items she willed to me, but — IF I were to sell all or some of the furniture items (a few might be antiques, others not) — would I be liable for “capital gains” taxes on whatever money I receive from their sale?
I’m conflicted. On one hand, some of these are “family items” that my children might want someday, but I personally have no real connection to them in that respect. Further, they have been cluttering my basement for over a year. So being aware of the possible tax ramifications might influence my decision on how to proceed (or whether to proceed) in disposing of the items.