Video: When to Use IRS Form 8949 for Stock Sales
If you received a 1099-B for stock sales, you’ll need to report each transaction on Form 8949. Learn how to complete this form, including the details required for short- and long-term sales, and how it affects your tax return. TurboTax can help simplify the process and ensure you don't miss valuable tax savings.
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Video transcript:
Did you sell some stocks this year? Let's break down how to report it to the IRS on this edition of Tax Tips by TurboTax.
Whether you made or lost money on stock sales, you'll need to report every transaction to the IRS. You'll use Form 8949 to detail each sale, and Schedule D for the results of those trades.
If you sell stock during the year, you should receive 1099-B. This form contains information that will help you complete Form 8949, including whether each stock sale was a short or long-term sale.
Let's break down Form 8949. Form 8949 gives the IRS details about each sale of stock you made during the year.
It's also where you calculate the gain or loss on those sales. The form is divided into two sections: one for your short-term stock sales, another for your long-term sales.
It’s important to separate the two type of sale because short-term and long-term sales are taxed at different rates. You can also figure this out yourself by separating the stocks you owned for one year or less from those you own for more than one year.
To complete form 8949, you will need specific details for each transaction, such as: the name of the stock, the number of shares you sold, the date of each purchase and sale, the amount you paid and sold the stock for, and all required adjustments to the gains and losses you report.
And what about Schedule D? Schedule D combines the gains and losses calculated on Form 8949 with any capital gains and losses reported on other forms, and with any unused capital losses carried over from previous years.
Schedule D is also used to determine if you can use any losses to reduce your taxable gains, or up to $3,000 of other taxable income. By providing a structured and detailed way to report stock sales, Form 8949 ensures accurate tax reporting.
The good news?
When you file with TurboTax, you can directly import your 1099-B, and we’ll guide you step-by-step to accurately report your capital gains and losses.
Visit TurboTax.com for more info to help you file your taxes with confidence.
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