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brb3
Level 1

TurboTax incorrectly calculates tax for short-term capital gains

How can I force TurboTax to apply the standard deduction to short-term capital gains?

 

For example: If I enter $10,000 for income for my son and then add $1000 in short-term capital gains (1099-B), it calculates that $100 in tax is owed (10% of short-term) even though the total income + short-term is less than the standard deduction of $15,750 for a single filer. Is there a way to trick TurboTax into correctly applying the standard deduction to the short-term gain?

Thanks!

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1 Best answer

Accepted Solutions
DavidD66
Employee Tax Expert

TurboTax incorrectly calculates tax for short-term capital gains

If your son is being claimed as a dependent . the standard deduction for 2025  is limited to the greater of $1,350 or the sum of $450 plus the dependent's earned income. The total deduction cannot exceed the basic standard deduction for a single filer ($15,750 for 2025).  If your son can be claimed as dependent on your (or someone else's return) then using your example and assuming the $10,000 is earned income, his deduction would be $10,000 plus $450 = $10,450.  He would have $550 of taxable income from short-term capital gains. 

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2 Replies
DavidD66
Employee Tax Expert

TurboTax incorrectly calculates tax for short-term capital gains

If your son is being claimed as a dependent . the standard deduction for 2025  is limited to the greater of $1,350 or the sum of $450 plus the dependent's earned income. The total deduction cannot exceed the basic standard deduction for a single filer ($15,750 for 2025).  If your son can be claimed as dependent on your (or someone else's return) then using your example and assuming the $10,000 is earned income, his deduction would be $10,000 plus $450 = $10,450.  He would have $550 of taxable income from short-term capital gains. 

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brb3
Level 1

TurboTax incorrectly calculates tax for short-term capital gains

Thank you for the explanation! That was the issue as the value you indicated had replaced the standard deduction. I now realize that my son no longer fits the criteria as a dependent, so the fix is an easy one!

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