what are share certificates faqs
never just throw away your old share certificates they can still be worth something here are a few steps you can do to help determine their value even without the physical share certificate you are still the rightful owner of the stock and have a claim to all of the rights of being a shareholder if your share certificate is lost accidentally destroyed or stolen you should immediately contact the transfer agent and request a stop transfer this prevents ownership of the stock certificate from being transferred to another person your stockbroker might also be able to help you with this process you will be able to get a new replacement certificate but typically companies will first require you to do the following whether someone is transferring a stock certificate on death or electronic shares the tax implications are the same that is you are not liable for taxes on the shares you inherit when someone dies but you might be liable for the taxes if you sell them 4