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March 22, 2024
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Capital Losses Not Offsetting Capital Gains

  • March 22, 2024
  • 1 reply
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From the web for Turbo Tax:  Yes, but there are limits. Losses on your investments are first used to offset capital gains of the same type. So, short-term losses are first deducted against short-term gains, and long-term losses are deducted against long-term gains. Net losses of either type can then be deducted against the other kind of gain.

 

This isn't happening on my return, as I am paying tax on long term gains/distributions than are more than offset by short term losses.

Best answer by rjs

How do you know that you are paying tax on long-term gains? Look at the actual tax form, not a summary screen in TurboTax. What is the amount on Form 1040 line 7? That's the net gain, if any, that you are paying tax on. If Form 1040 line 7 is negative, you have a net loss and you are not paying tax on any gains.

 

1 reply

rjs
rjsAnswer
Employee
March 22, 2024

How do you know that you are paying tax on long-term gains? Look at the actual tax form, not a summary screen in TurboTax. What is the amount on Form 1040 line 7? That's the net gain, if any, that you are paying tax on. If Form 1040 line 7 is negative, you have a net loss and you are not paying tax on any gains.

 

March 22, 2024

Thanks.  Looking at the forms cleared up my confusion.