unusual situation on RSU cost basis, no cost basis on 1099, i have 4 categories of cost basis short and long term and covered and non-covered how do I handle?

[joe-fanto]

On 1099 I have the sale of the stock but no cost basis. I had to go back to the RSU provider to get a cost basis, now i have that information, but am having problems entering this

[DavidD66]

Yours is not an unusual situation.  When you have RSUs that vest, the total market value of the underlying stock is considered ordinary income -  just like a cash bonus.  It is subject to income tax and payroll tax withholding.  The gross amount is reported as income in box 1 of your W-2.  Your cost basis in the stock is the amount that you were taxed on.  When you sell the shares from the RSU award, the broker doesn't report the correct basis (they often report $0.00 as cost basis).  Therefore, you have to make an adjustment to the cost basis when you enter your Form 1099-B.  

I recommend that you do not import your Form 1099-B (if you have, delete it and enter manually), and do not indicate that the stock is Company Stock,  The additional interview questions for Company Stock will not add any benefit, if you know your cost basis.  If you held the stock more than a year, then the sales category is Long Term, Non-Covered.  If you held the stock one year or less, it is Short Term, Non-Covered.  When entering your 1099-B you will enter the $0.00 cost basis for the stock, and then you will enter an adjustment for the cost basis to enter the correct amount.