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 2
posted Jan 18, 2025 8:29:48 AM

class action securities settlement distribution

This year I received a distribution from a securities settlement pointing to stock loss I took in 2018. The settlement distributor does not issue tax docs. I’m unsure how to enter this into TurboTax and found 3 options and I’m hoping someone can point me to the correct treatment and how to enter it into TurboTax. 

First option, treat as Long Term Capital Gain (enter sales amount and purchase at zero?).

Second option, the distribution offsets against drawing down the capital losses carryover for the full amount so no net taxes due (does max $3000 apply? – how to enter this?).

Third option is book it as ordinary income (book it as Other Income?). 

Which is the appropriate option that I should use? It’s confusing and any guidance is appreciated!

0 5 8878
5 Replies
Expert Alumni
Jan 20, 2025 12:42:23 PM

Since this settlement is replacing a loss that you already took on your taxes in 2018 then the income should be the same as the deduction that you took.  So a capital loss in 2018 should be a capital gain in 2024.  Sale date of the date that you received the settlement, sale price of the amount received, basis of zero.

 

@ivohofstad1 

Level 2
Jan 26, 2025 4:08:00 PM

Thank you very much! 

Level 2
Mar 22, 2025 2:09:34 PM

Thanks for the clear response, one quick follow up: When I enter the sale with the amount of the settlement on the day I received the settlement, which "buy" day would I use as I purchased on several days seven years ago. Which one day is appropriate to enter?

Level 3
Mar 29, 2025 12:21:20 PM

desktop turbotax doesn't allow me to just enter a distribution under capital gains. It wants  a 1099-B which i don't have

Level 3
Mar 29, 2025 12:25:43 PM

i find i can under miscellaneous income, then other reportable income, then taxable court settlements