Investment and Finance
The most frequently asked tax questions related to Investment and Finance
Why don't my option sales appear on form 1099 ?
Asked Friday, January 26, 2001 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
The IRS does not require that brokerage firms report options sales on form 1099-B. The IRS does require brokerage firms to report the assignment or exercise of options if cash is received as a result of the assignment or exercise.
Investments & Financial Planning
Why don't my option sales appear on my form 1099 ?
Asked Friday, January 26, 2001 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
The IRS does not require that brokerage firms report options sales on form 1099-B. The IRS does require brokerage firms to report the assignment or exercise of options if cash is received as a result of the assignment or exercise.
Are stock short sales reported to the IRS ?
Asked Friday, January 26, 2001 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
A short sale is a sale of stock that you do not own but borrow for purposes of the sale from a broker. Brokerage firms are required by the IRS to report all stock and bond security sales, including short sales. A short sale is considered a sale according to the IRS regulations and must be reported to you and then indicated on form 1099-B.
Securities “Trader“ Losses
Asked Friday, January 19, 2001 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
The capital gain and loss limitations do not apply to the securities of a “dealer”, except for securities held primarily for investment. Nor do they apply to real estate sales by a dealer in realty, except for property as an investment.
A “trader” as distinguished from a “dealer” in securities is subject to the capital gain and loss limitations.
A securities “dealer” is similar to a merchant in that he purchases securities with the expectation of reselling them for a profit.
The profit is based on hopes of finding a market of buyers to purchase the securities in excess of his cost. A “trader” buys and sells securities for his own account.
A trader’s expectations of making a profit depend on the rise in value to sell at a price in excess of cost. More details can be found in IRS Publications 544 and 550 http://www.irs.ustreas.gov/prod/forms_pubs/forms.html
A “trader” as distinguished from a “dealer” in securities is subject to the capital gain and loss limitations.
A securities “dealer” is similar to a merchant in that he purchases securities with the expectation of reselling them for a profit.
The profit is based on hopes of finding a market of buyers to purchase the securities in excess of his cost. A “trader” buys and sells securities for his own account.
A trader’s expectations of making a profit depend on the rise in value to sell at a price in excess of cost. More details can be found in IRS Publications 544 and 550 http://www.irs.ustreas.gov/prod/forms_pubs/forms.html
Are my losses as a securities “ trader “ treated differently on my tax return ?
Asked Friday, January 19, 2001 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
Yes. The capital gain and loss limitations do not apply to securities of a “dealer”, except for securities held primarily for investment. Nor do they apply to real estate sales by a dealer in realty, except for property as an investment. A “trader” is distinguished from a “dealer” in securities is subject to the capital gain and loss limitations. A securities “dealer” is similar to a merchant in that he purchases securities with the expectation of reselling them for a profit. The profit is based on hopes of finding a market of buyers to purchase the securities in excess of his cost. A “trader” buys and sells securities for his own account. A trader’s expectations of making a profit depend on the rise in value to sell at a price in excess of cost. More details can be found in IRS Publications 544 and 550 found at http://www.irs.ustreas.gov/prod/forms_pubs/forms.html
What are some advantages of a SEP , Simplified Employee Pension Plan ?
Asked Wednesday, January 17, 2001 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
Some advantages of a SEP Simplified Employee Pension Plan are: Contributions to a SEP are tax deductible and your business pays no taxes on the earnings on the investments. You are not locked into making contributions every year. In fact, you decide each year whether, and how much, to contribute to your employees’ SEP-IRAs.
Generally, you do not have to file any documents with the government. Sole proprietors, partnerships, and corporations, including S corporations, can set up SEPs. You may be eligible for a tax credit of up to $500 per year for each of the first 3 years for the cost of starting the plan. Administrative costs are low.
SIMPLE IRA - Set up Due date
Asked Wednesday, January 17, 2001 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
SIMPLE IRA plans must be set up by 10/1/xx for that year's contributions to be deductible on that year's tax return.
Investments & Financial Planning
What is a " Put " option ?
Asked Tuesday, January 16, 2001 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
Put
A "Put" is an option granting the right to "Sell" the underlying futures contract. This is opposite of a call.
A "Call" is an option that gives the holder the right to "Buy" the underlying futures contract.
Investments & Financial Planning
What is an Real Estate Investment Trust ( REIT ) ?
Asked Tuesday, January 16, 2001 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
A Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT)
invest in real estate or loans secured by real estate and issue shares in such investments. A Real Estate Investment Trust is similar to a closed-end mutual fund.