DawnC
Expert Alumni

Get your taxes done using TurboTax

Cost basis is the original purchase cost of an asset.  When you sell the asset, your cost basis gets subtracted from the money you collect from the sale. Instead of paying tax on the full amount, you only get taxed on the profit (the selling price minus the cost basis).

 

If you know when the stock was purchased, use this link for tips to help you determine the cost basis.  There is a link at the bottom of the article if you don't know the date the stock was purchased.  

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