In 2020 I have a $12,000 long term capital loss with no capital gains to offset it. Am I required to use $3,000 against ordinary income in 2020?

 

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Yes it is required ... there is no option to not take the allowed deduction. 

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If you do not take it then you forfeit any remaining carry forward for future years.    You cannot skip a year.

**Disclaimer: This post is for discussion purposes only and is NOT tax advice. The author takes no responsibility for the accuracy of any information in this post.**

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you have a big loss but $3,000 is the max you are allowed per year. the rest will carryover to coming years.