#1
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OT: Tax Guru's
Can I selling a losing stock to offset gains from a winning stock to wipe out any profitable gains from my year end returns. Thanks
been awhile since I did this and did not remember if the losses were limited to $3500 per year |
#2
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Yes, a loss can be used to offset a gain (net effect if equal; zero tax). Your net loss for a year is capped at $3,000 with any loss above that being carried forward.
Ex. If you had a net loss last year of $13,000, only $3,000 of that could be claimed on last year's return with $10,000 carrying forward. If this year, your gain was $10,000, the loss carry forward offsets that so tax this year would be $0. Another way to look at it, if this year you have a $5,000 gain, and you can sell a stock today (Dec. 31) at a loss (that you're comfortable with), then that loss will offset that gain. BTW, I'm sitting here today debating about the same thing (do I take the loss and reduce my tax bill, or keep the holding as it'll pop as soon as I sell it!). |
#3
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Quote:
If you plan to buy the losing stock back again within 30 days, look out for the wash sale rule. Here is a link: http://www.smartmoney.com/personal-f...le-rules-9860/ Last edited by SamIAm; 12-31-2010 at 10:36 AM. |
#4
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Good point on the wash sale rule!!
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