How can I input a stock option transactions that I sold and let it expire verses buying it back....software will not let me use zero for the cost.

A Short Sale is when the investor sells a stock, or an option with the expectation that it is going to go down in value.  The investor can then re-purchase it at a lower price resulting in a profit.  This is a proven strategy that investors do use.  To correctly post a short sale.

To post a Short Sale go to:

1. Income & expenses
2. Scroll down to Investment Income 1099-B or broker statements
3. Select Contracts and Straddles
4. Any Straddles or Section 1256 Contracts?  Yes or No
5. Any Elections?  You can leave this blank
6. Now you can select Gain, or Loss from Straddles
7. Post your information

The dates will process correctly.