USA Tax Implications of Selling Stock in an Estate

[tadrian]

As executor of my aunt's estate (Georgia), I need to decide whether to liquidate her stocks ($250,000+ total value of various stocks) and distribute cash or distribute the stocks directly. With three beneficiaries it would be easier to liquidate, but I want to be mindful of tax implications. I know the beneficiaries get a step up basis if I distribute the stock directly and they won't pay capital gains until they sell the stock. Will the estate also get a step up basis? What kind of capital gains tax would the estate be looking at paying? What other tax implications should I be considering in this decision?