I have realized that my form 6781 options income does not seem to be automatically populated into my tax return. Am I doing something wrong? How do I fix this?

[Andy19008]

When I download the 1099 info from my brokerage, it populates some of the transactions, but not those involving index options.  This seems to be something that is supposed to be entered on form 6781.  Do I need to do something so that that happens?

[MinhT1]

Please read this TurboTax article on how to report income on Section 1256 contracts.

You'll need to complete form 6781.

To do this in TurboTax Online, please follow these steps:

1. Click on the magnifying glass icon on the top right of your screen
2. In the search box, type form 6781
3. In the search result page, click on Jump to form 6781
4. TurboTax will take you through a questionnaire where you can enter your information
5. TurboTax will then automatically split your gains between long-term and short-term to report them on your tax return.

[Andy19008]

Thanks, this is helpful.

I wonder if there is a way to avoid having to enter every option transaction by hand? 

[fanfare]

If you got a 1099-B or substitute 1099-B with lines 8-11, you don't enter any details.

Do not check any of the Boxes A-D on the form.

Only the Line 11 needs to be entered in the appropriate box.

@Andy19008 

[apw111]

Thanks for the tip - can you please clarify which one is the appropriate box?

[Andy19008]

I don't think it does autopopulate, but there is an option to enter the summary (total for the year) numbers, which saves having to put in each line of whatever trades you did.  The summary is reported on my broker's 1099.