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 Apr 11, 2024 9:39:15 PM

Trader Status If I have Dividend Income

Hello,

 

In 2023 I placed many trades--over 1000--and mainly focused on short-term swings in the market.

 

After tax loss harvesting however, about half my income was dividends / interest and not trading.

 

Can I claim trader tax status if I receive half of income from dividends / interest but otherwise meet the criteria?

 

Thank you.

0 1 3219
1 Replies
Level 15
Apr 11, 2024 9:49:55 PM

 

Being a trader depends on the facts and circumstances for each individual. There is no definitive definition of 

who is a trader and who is an investor. See if you meet the criteria below:

 

To be engaged in business as a trader in securities, you must meet all of the following conditions:

You must seek to profit from daily market movements in the prices of securities and not from dividends, interest, or capital appreciation;
Your activity must be substantial; and
You must carry on the activity with continuity and regularity.
The following facts and circumstances should be considered in determining if your activity is a securities trading business:

Typical holding periods for securities bought and sold;
The frequency and dollar amount of your trades during the year;
The extent to which you pursue the activity to produce income for a livelihood; and
The amount of time you devote to the activity.