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June 5, 2019
Question

I have a 1099B the doesn't show a "Date Acquired" or a "cost basis" amount, how should I enter it.

  • June 5, 2019
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1 reply

Employee
June 5, 2019

You need to use an estimated date.  Without an actual date, the program doesn't know if it's a short term or long term gain.

You really don't need the actual date acquired down to the day as the real distinction when reporting a sale is whether the holding is "long term" or "short term".  If you know at least that than any day over a year before the sale (long term) or less than a year before the sale (short term) works.

If you can't come up with an reasonable estimate for the basis - one you think you could defend with the IRS if they ever asked - you pretty much have to go with $0 there.