Carryover basis, also referred to as a transferred basis, applies to inter vivos gifts and transfers in trust. Generally, a taxpayer's basis in property is the cost to acquire the property. However, there is an exception for inter vivos gifts and transfers in trust.arryover basis, also referred to as a transferred basis, applies to inter vivos gifts and transfers in trust. Generally, a taxpayer's basis in property is the cost to acquire the property. However, there is an exception for inter vivos gifts and transfers in trust.