in Canada you are not taxed for windfalls (lottery winnings "found" money, this baseball) in the states you can be.
Also, in Canada generally, capital gains are not calculated until the gain is realized, I'm not sure how that works in the states. If the tax lawyers says it is true, then it's probably true, their tax system is messed up with stuff like that.
Also, if you sell your old beater for more than you paid for it, then technically you have a capital gain. there is something loosely known as the "garagae sale rule" which off the top of my head I can't remember but it allows you about 1,000 dollar leeway or something (i'd have to check my notes).
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