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Level 3
posted Feb 20, 2023 6:57:23 AM

Option 1256 Contracts

Last year was the first year I did a did a few OPTIONS trading.  I got to the point in the Turbo Tax Interview where is asks if I have any 1256 Options Contracts ---- How would I know ?

 

Do brokers send you a Tax form (Like  1099)  that identifies if you had 1256 Contracts ?

0 2 1107
2 Replies
Expert Alumni
Feb 20, 2023 7:20:01 AM

Options are section 1256 investments. If you traded options in 2022, you should answer YEs to this question.

 

Futures contracts are Section 1256 contracts for the IRS.

 

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, please follow these steps:

 

  1. Click on Search 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.

Level 15
Feb 20, 2023 11:54:07 AM

stock options are not 1256 contracts.

read the definition on the form 6781 instructions page 2 of the form

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f6781.pdf