One sentence changes everything. You may think completing Form 8949 for Schedule D is pretty straight forward, but the majority of active traders are affected by one instruction which has some massive implications. We'll reveal this instruction and explain three situations in which it affects most traders. And we'll tell you about the implications you need to be aware of.
At first glance, you may get the impression from the Form 8949 instructions that you can simply use what is reported on the 1099-B. But look carefully! On page 7 of the 2013 Form 8949 Instructions you will find that the IRS directs:
That one sentence of instruction will lead you to major implications. In the 2013 Schedule D instructions, page D-5 you find this important requirement:
IRS Publication 550 explains wash sales in detail. Many traders do not realize that the IRS has different wash sale rules for brokers than they do for taxpayers. While your broker is required to report some wash sales on 1099- B only for covered securities and in specific situations, you as a taxpayer are required to make all of the additional wash sale adjustments defined by tax law.
In a recent survey, 85% of traders had one or more situations which require these additional wash sale adjustments to be made for Form 8949 – adjustments which are not reported on the broker-provided 1099-B. The majority of traders who have these situations cannot rely on the 1099-B for complete tax reporting.
When would a wash sale not be reported on Form 1099-B? We've grouped the top three situations below. If any one of these situations applies to you then you are required to check for and report additional wash sale adjustments not on the 1099-B:
These are the top three situations; you may have other situations which can also result in additional wash sale adjustments.
This is how the requirement may affect you:
The clear reminder carried on most every 1099-B and in IRS publications is that you are ultimately responsible for an accurate tax return. Brokers are required to report the limited wash sales on 1099-B which may assist you – and gives the IRS some idea of what to expect from your reporting. However, you cannot use the excuse "that is what my broker reported" if the IRS finds your Form 8949 is incomplete.
TradeLog uses a proven method for generating accurate Schedule D Form 8949 reporting – which has been used by active traders and tax experts for over 14 years. And we are proud to say that we have never had the IRS reject TradeLog reporting.
One seemingly minor IRS instruction has a huge affect on the majority of traders. If you are required to file a Schedule D Form 8949, make sure to review the wash sale situations that affect you and ensure that you have a method for generating an accurate Form 8949. You may also want to check out our Definitive Guides to 1099-B, Schedule D Form 8949, and Wash Sales in order to better understand the tax issues affecting you.
Please note: This information is provided only as a general guide and is not to be taken as official IRS instructions. Cogenta Computing, Inc. does not make investment recommendations nor provide financial, tax or legal advice. You are solely responsible for your investment and tax reporting decisions. Please consult your tax advisor or accountant to discuss your specific situation.