Why sign in to the Community?

  • Submit a question
  • Check your notifications
Sign in to the Community or Sign in to TurboTax and start working on your taxes
Level 1
posted Mar 28, 2025 3:51:48 PM

Securities Trader Unrealized Gains/Losses

I filed as a mark to market securities trader on January 1, 2024.  I understand how to report my trades (realized gains/losses).  I am not clear how to report 1) the mark to market loss that I had from December 2023 (before I filed as a trader) or 2) the mark to market adjustment for December 2024.

 

Can some tell me where these adjustments are reported?  Thanks

0 5 961
1 Best answer
Level 15
Mar 28, 2025 7:49:25 PM

you use the market value profit or loss on the 4797. 

 This would include any section 481 adjustment if you are going from a cost basis to MTM this year. 

 

did you properly submit the 475(f) election with your timely filed 2023 return or extension. (by 4/18/2024)

5 Replies
Level 15
Mar 28, 2025 6:44:21 PM

Gains and losses of old are in your Investment account.

you must keep that separate from your trader account.

maintaining an Investment account and a Trading account just makes your reporting situation more complex.

Level 1
Mar 28, 2025 7:11:52 PM

Thanks for responding.  This did not answer the question and misrepresents my situation.  I do not have an investment account I only have a trading account.  As a Securities trader with a mark to mark election (Form 3115) I need to report all activity (realized and unrealized).  The trader

realized

gains & losses are reported on Form 4797 but I do not see any instructions on where to report the trader 

unrealized

gains & losses.  I appreciate the response but I don't this I got an answer.

Level 15
Mar 28, 2025 7:49:25 PM

you use the market value profit or loss on the 4797. 

 This would include any section 481 adjustment if you are going from a cost basis to MTM this year. 

 

did you properly submit the 475(f) election with your timely filed 2023 return or extension. (by 4/18/2024)

Level 1
Mar 28, 2025 8:24:26 PM

Yes - I filed the MTM election in March 2024

Level 15
Mar 29, 2025 9:28:02 AM

"where to report the trader 

unrealized

 gains & losses. "

you don't have any unrealized gains because you are MTM

 

IRS does not allow you to mingle activity using one account as you are doing.