mwallin2
New Member

On 1099-B from Fidelity, what if my Box 1b and 1e are listed as UNKNOWN?

 

Retirement tax questions

It means that the purchase date and cost basis of that particular security  you sold within 2018 is unknown to Fidelity.  You need to provide that information from your own records.

View solution in original post

mwallin2
New Member

Retirement tax questions

Does it mean that it is unknown to Fidelity or that it just did not make it to the 1099-B?

Retirement tax questions

Unknown to Fidelity.  Not uncommon if you changed brokerage firms and the security was purchased before I think 2011.
mwallin2
New Member

Retirement tax questions

Was purchased before 2011 as the stocks put in our account were a gift from family. We have no idea when the original purchase date is.

Retirement tax questions

Need to ask the person who gifted you the stock as to original date and cost basis of this gift.  The givers cost basis remains with the stock gift.  Cost basis is more important than date.  You can provide a good faith estimate of date.
Or was the stock an inheritance?
mwallin2
New Member

Retirement tax questions

No not an inheritance was a gift.
dbekemeyer
Returning Member

Retirement tax questions

TurboTax won't let me put in unknown?  What amount do I put in the cost basis box?

 

RobertB4444
Expert Alumni

Retirement tax questions

If the basis is unknown that means that the broker does not know what you paid for the security.  If you have no idea either - and no way to find out - then you will have to put zero in the basis.  That means you will pay taxes on the full amount that you sold it for.  

**Say "Thanks" by clicking the thumb icon in a post
**Mark the post that answers your question by clicking on "Mark as Best Answer"