Tax Reporting: Are Short Sales Included in Gross Proceeds on Form 1099-B?

Yes. Proceeds related to short sales of securities are reported on a trade-date basis in the current year the trade is executed and not the year the sale is covered. Short sales of options are not reported. Rules that apply to short sales are complex. Refer to IRS Publication 550, Investment Income and Expenses, and consult your tax advisor for more information on reporting short sales.

In compliance with Treasury Department Circular 230, unless stated to the contrary, any information contained in this FAQ was not intended or written to be used and cannot be used for the purpose of avoiding tax penalties that may be imposed on any taxpayer.