Proper method to deduct a stock that my brokerage firm won't remove from my account?

[user00719]

I have a question about how to deduct a stock that my brokerage firm won't remove from my account.  Situation:

Purchased a stock in 2001.  The company declared bankruptcy in 2004.  The bankruptcy proceedings ended in late 2006.  There was never another mention of them, there are no documents or anything whatsoever since that time.  I've spoken to my brokerage firm over and over during the years, and while they say it's been delisted, it still sits in my account at $0.00 value, but they say it cannot be disposed of yet, as they don't have an indication that it is completely done.  I cannot speak to the dept that keeps making this determination.  

What do you suggest?  How can I simply forfeit it and declare it dead?  Let's assume it is definitely worth $0 and gone.

Thanks for your time!

[macuser_22]

I am not an expert in this, but my understanding is you can declare a stock worthless and declare a capital loss in the year that it became worthless.     When a company goes bankrupt then the stock might still have some value, but most brokers will allow you to sell the stock for $1 to remove it.  

In your case, if the bankruptcy never closed and is still in question - which seems unlikely after 17 years, it would seem that the broker is unreasonable.  What is there reason for not removing the listing?

In any event, it is probably will beyond the 3 year statute of limitations to be able to take a loss 17 years old.