Linking Accounts

Overview: 

Account linkage allows for individual account holders maintaining multiple existing accounts or seeking to open a new account the ability to group those accounts together.  In the case of a new account, linkage affords the opportunity to open the account without having to complete a full application, with the account holder providing solely that additional information which is specific to the new account.  New account linkages are initiated either from the Client Portal of the existing account (via the User menu (head and shoulders icon in the top right corner) > Settings > Account SettingsTrading > Open an Additional Account) or automatically when initiating a new application from the website. The following article outlines the steps for linking one or more existing accounts.

1.  Log into Client Portal and click the User menu (head and shoulders icon in the top right corner) followed by Settings > Trading > Link Account to Advisor/Broker/Administrator.

 

2.  Select the radio button next to Link All of My Existing Account Under a Single Username and Password, and then click CONTINUE.

The Select Username screen opens.

 

3.  The screen shows all of your accounts that can be linked under a single username and password. Select which username you want to keep. Once your accounts are linked, you will use the selected username to log in to any of the linked accounts.

4.  The screen updates to display the security device for the selected username. Click CONTINUE.

5.  A series of pages appears to prompt you to enter the username and password for each account to be linked, followed by additional authentication using your Secure Login device.

6.  Enter the username, password and authentication values for each account to be linked on the next screens, clicking CONTINUE to advance to the next screen.

7.  We aggregate the financial information and trading experience info for all accounts to be linked. Verify your financial information and trading experience for the accounts to be linked, and then click CONTINUE.

8.  Verify your account information and click CONTINUE.

9.  If you need to update your financial information, trading experience or account information, wait for those updates to be approved and then restart this linking procedure.

10. Verify any saved bank information you may have and click CONTINUE.

11. Click CONTINUE.

12. Click Ok

For information on how to cancel a linkage request, see Canceling a Pending Link Request.

IMPORTANT NOTES

* Once linked, account access to Client Portal and the trading platform is accomplished using a single user name and password each of which will contain a drop-down window for selecting the account that the owner wishes to act upon.

* As market data subscriptions are billed at a session level (i.e., user name) and only a single TWS session can be open for any one user at a given time, account holders previously maintaining subscriptions for multiple users have the opportunity to consolidate subscriptions to a single user.  Account holders wishing to view multiple TWS sessions simultaneously may add additional users (subject to separate market data subscriptions). In addition, only those market data subscriptions already associated with the surviving user name will remain in effect following consolidation.  Account holders maintaining different subscriptions across multiple users are advised to review those subscriptions subject to cancellation in order to determine which they wish to resubscribe to under the surviving user name.  Also note that the market data subscriptions either terminated or initiated mid-month are subject to billing as if they were provided for the entire month (i.e., fees are not prorated).

Message Center User Guide

 

 
 

 

 
 
 
Your Message Center allows you to submit questions directly to IB Customer Service in a secure and authenticated manner and provides the following features:
  • every inquiry is assigned a case number ("ticket"). This reference number can be used to efficiently track the progress of the inquiry.
  • the real-time status of an inquiry is always available via an overview screen. You will know if the issue has been picked up by an IB service expert, which expert is handling your issue, and whether it is being addressed by our main help team or by a specialty team.
  • both customers and IB staff can refine or add information to the ticket, permitting easy clarifications or follow up to the original inquiry. In addition, customers can cancel or close tickets once the issue has been addressed giving them greater control.
  • History Overview of both open and completed inquiries
  • Fast Response: Tickets will be assigned to an IB representative usually within a few minutes and always within 2 hours during European and North American trading hours. During Asian trading hours, response times may be longer.
 
 
 
 
This screen presents an overview of all inquiries in a tabbed view. 
  1. Open tickets are presented in the default view with date/time of submission, a brief description of the question, the most recent response from IB staff, the name of the IB Expert handling the inquiry, and a status indicator.
  2. A second tab shows closed or resolved inquiries going back 1 month.  This allows customers to refer to the solutions or information provided by IB and save them on their computers in a document system of their choice (simple cut-and-paste). Status indicators allow customers to know at a glance where their inquiry is in the process.  A key for the meanings of the various states are provided at the bottom of the overview screen. Action buttons (edit/view, close, cancel) permit customers to manage their inquiries directly.  
  • Resolve/Close : use this when you are satisfied with the response provided by the IB service expert. This will move the ticket onto the "Closed" tab.  Please note that IB staff may also close a ticket if they feel the inquiry has been completely addressed.
  • Cancel Ticket https://www.interactivebrokers.com/cstools/webtkt/v3/images/actionCancel.gif: allows customers to retract an inquiry even if it has not yet been fully addressed.
  • Edit/View: customers can add additional information to an inquiry or respond back to an IB Expert's request for more detail.
 
 
 
  1. Click New Ticket in the menu bar. This will open a new window (you must allow pop-ups on your browser).
  2. Select the main Category and a SubCategory for the inquiry. The category will allow us to route your inquiry to the IB Expert who is specialized or is most experienced for your issue. We recommend choosing the category accurately to get the highest quality and speed of response.
  3. Enter a brief summary of the question.  This is the text you will see in the overview screen.
  4. Enter details about the problem as needed. Please be as specific and complete as possible (for example, exact dates/times, TWS version, etc) , as this will allow us to accurately research your inquiry to give you the best / fastest response.
  5. Click "Next".  This will take you to a confirmation screen that will allow you to review and submit your inquiry
  6. You will get a confirmation of receipt along with a ticket reference number.  Note this reference number (it is also viewable on the Overview Screen) and please use it in any follow up to your inquiry (for example, over chat or by phone).
  7. The inquiry will show in the Overview Screen with the status=New.
 
 
 
 
 
  1. On the Overview Screen, select the open ticket you wish to update, and click on the Edit icon at the end of the row.
  2. A new window will open showing the history of the "conversation" to date, along with a text entry box for the new information to be added.
  3. Click "Send" to submit. After some seconds, you will get a confirmation from IB that the update has been received by our system.
 
 
 
 
 
  1. On the Overview Screen, select the open ticket you wish to update, and click on the paperclip icon.
  2. A new window will open showing the history of the "conversation" to date, along with a text entry box to add information about the attachment(s). Below the text box there is a section called "Attach Files" with the possibility of adding 3 attachments. Click "Browse" to find the file to be attached. Please note the max upload size is 2Mb per file with a 6Mb cap for all files.
  3. Click "Send" to submit. After some seconds you will be fowarded to the preview ticket mode where the attached file(s) name will be visible in the comment section.
 
 
 
 
 
To Cancel an Existing Open Ticket:
  • Use this when your inquiry has been resolved outside of the IB CIMS environment (for example, an exchange access problem that has already been fixed). This will move the ticket to a "Closed" state (CLS) immediately and will inform IB staff that there is no further need to investigate the issue.
  1. Just click on the Cancel https://www.interactivebrokers.com/cstools/webtkt/v3/images/actionCancel.gificon on the appropriate ticket row. A confirmation page will be provided.
To Close/Resolve a Ticket
  • Use this when you have received a satisfactory answer to your inquiry. This will change the ticket state to "Closed" (CLS). We request that you close tickets as soon as possible once you are satisfied. IB Customer Service managers may close tickets in cases where the ticket appears to be fully answered but has not been closed by the customer.
  1. Just click on the Close icon on the appropriate ticket row. A confirmation page will be provided.
To Reopen a Ticket
  • The IB-Expert might close a ticket after responding if he/she believes the inquiry was fully and satisfactorily resolved. It may be the case thaat the Client does not agree that the question was properly answered so we provide a way to reopen recently closed tickets. Just click on the Re-Open link on the appropriate line of the overview page. The ticket status should show LV1 and the IB-Expert who handled the ticket will be notified.
  1. Just click on the "Reopen" link on the appropriate ticket row. A confirmation page will be provided.
 
 
 
 
 
There are a million possible questions and IB staff cannot possibly know all answers to all the possible questions equally well. Proper selection of the Category for your inquiry will allow IB to assign the best qualified Expert to your inquiry. It may take a few seconds more to find the right Category/SubCategory combination but this small time investment will be rewarded by a faster and higher quality response.
 
 
 
 
Customers can provide feedback to IB management regarding their service experience. Feedback surveys consist of four questions relating to overall experience, quality and speed of answer and courtesy which you are asked to rate.  Respondents also have the option to submit free form comments requesting additional follow-up or in recognition of exemplary service.  Feedback surveys are made available immediately upon closure of a chat session or webticket and are periodically sent via email following a telephone inquiry. While all surveys are not responded to, each is reviewed by our Quality Assurance team as a means of improving the overall quality of our service.

 

How to configure Client Services message delivery and notification

To configure your Message Center preferences:

1. Log in to Client Portal

2. Click the User menu (head and shoulders icon in the top right corner) followed by Secure Message Center.

3. Click on the Preferences (gear) icon next to the Compose button.

4. The message Preferences window will appear

5. Select a Primary and Secondary Preferred Language for messages using the drop-downs

6. Select your preferred delivery options in the Secure Message Delivery section.

7. Click SAVE to save your changes.

Please note, for security reasons, it is not possible to receive the entire message via E-mail or SMS/Text Message. It is only possible to receive a summary of the notification via E-mail or SMS/Text Message.

Find more information on Message Center preferences in the Client Portal Users' Guide.

2009 Gain/Loss Summary Worksheet: General Explanation

Important Note:  The Worksheet has been prepared using IRS guidelines for information purposes only.  It is not intended to replace any official IRS tax forms or schedules; and should not be regarded as an IRS Form Schedule D.

Interactive Broker's 2009 Gain/Loss Summary Worksheet ("Worksheet") provides the capital gains and losses for your account's year-end review.  Investors of a limited number of securities will find the pairing of 2009 sell trades useful.  Designed to aid with your year end reconciliation, the following securities and trades are included: Bonds, Equity Options, Fractional Shares, Index Futures*, Mutual Funds, Short Sale, T-Bills, Tender Offers, and WHIFITs.

A general explanation of the Worksheet is organized below by Parts, Columns, and Totals.

 *Only cash-settled

Worksheet Parts

The Worksheet is divided into two parts.  The period in which you held the position determines whether or not Short-Term or Long-Term applies. 

Part 1 - Short Term Capital Gains and Losses - Assets Held One Year or Less

Part 2 - Long Term Capital Gains and Losses - Assets Held More Than One Year

Worksheet Columns

Each section contains the following seven columns to identify your trades.

(a) Description of property (b) Date acquired (c) Date sold (d) Sales price (e) Cost or other basis (f) Gain or (loss) Codes

1.  (a) Description of property...shows the security symbol, name, quantity, and other information to identify the asset sold.

Example:  500 sh. DB - DEUTSCHE BANK AG-REGISTERED

2.  (b) Date acquired...shows the trade date of your security's purchase. 

Asset Transfers:  IB has entered the date supplied by you through Position Transfer Basis.  If an update was not received by year-end, then the asset transfer settlement date appears. See your monthly or annual summary for details. 

Short Sales:  The box is left blank if the closing trade has not been completed.  For short sales included on a prior year Worksheet or 1099-B, the code ADJ is entered.

3.  (c) Date sold...shows the trade date of your security's sale.

4.  (d) Sales price...shows the gross security sale price, net of commissions. 

Option Adjustments:  For exercised call options, the writer's sale proceeds have been increased by the amount received for the call. For exercised put options, the holder's sale proceeds have been reduced by the cost of the put. See IRS Pub. 550, page 57, for details.  For expired options, an amount of 0.00 is entered, followed by the Code "Ep".

5.  (e) Cost or other basis...shows the total price paid for your security, plus commissions.

Corporate Actions:  Adjustments have not been made for any stock splits or non-dividend distributions. See IRS Pub. 550, page 44, for details.

Mutual Funds:  IB does not use an average basis for mutual funds. The First In, First Out (FIFO) method is used.

Original Issue Discount:  The basis has not been increased by the amount of OID included in your income. See IRS Pub. 550, page 13, for details.

Option Adjustments: For exercised put options, the writer's basis has been increased by the amount received for the put.  For exercised call options, the holder's basis has been increased by the cost of the call. See IRS Pub. 550, page 57, for details.

6.  (f) Gain or (loss)...shows the calculation for each security using the tax execution methods First-In, First Out (FIFO), Last In, First Out (LIFO), or Maximize Losses (ML). 

Loss: Negative amounts are identified in parentheses.  For example, a loss of $2,000.00 displays as (2,000.00).

Tax Method:  If no code appears in the Codes column, then FIFO applies.  The other methods are noted by either LI = LIFO or ML = Maximize Losses.

7.  Codes...shows various trade designations, such as: corporate actions, asset transfers, or option assignments.

Codes and Meanings Table:  The last page of the Worksheet contains a table to identify each non-security symbol used.

Worksheet Totals

1. Subtotal adjustment from option assignment...shows the total amount of all sale proceeds increases or decreases made from option assignments to the assigned stock sale proceeds (see Cost or other basis details above). 

The adjustments, in accordance with IRS guidelines, are added or subtracted in order for the next Subtotal line to equal the amount reported by IB on the 1099-B, box 2.  Please keep in mind that IB does not report any option proceeds or adjustments to sales proceeds from assignments on the 1099s.

2.  Subtotal for stocks, bonds and T-bills...shows the total non-adjusted proceeds reported for each trade under column (d) Sales price for stocks, bonds, and T-bills only.  This amount should equal the 1099-B, box 2, amount. 

1099-B, box 2:  In general, this 1099 figure should equal the combined Parts 1 & 2 Subtotal for stocks, bonds and T-bills figure.

3.  Total...shows the combined proceeds for all trades under column (d) Sales price, including option sale proceeds.

Total Option Sale Proceeds:  Subtract the Total amount of column (d) from the Subtotal for stocks, bonds and T-bills of column (d) to obtain the total proceeds from all option sales.

 

Click here to go back to the main 2009 Worksheet article.

Note:  Securities classified by the IRS as IRC Section 1256 contracts are included on the Gain/Loss Worksheet for 1256 Contracts.

 


IRS Circular 230 Notice: These statements are provided for information purposes only, are not intended to constitute tax advice which may be relied upon to avoid penalties under any federal, state, local or other tax statutes or regulations, and do not resolve any tax issues in your favor.

 

What’s New for the 2009 Gain/Loss Summary Worksheet

 

 
Wash Sales – If you sold a stock or security at a loss, but re-purchased within 30 days the same or substantially the same security, the Worksheet identifies the sale using code “WS” (Disallowed loss from wash sale).
 
Social Security Number – For security purposes, the first 5 digits of the tax identification number have been removed.
 
Tax Basis Declaration – Two new tax basis methods, made available January 2009, help identify gain/loss methods for trades.  The optional methods Last In, First Out (LIFO) and Maximize Losses (ML) join the default First In, First Out (FIFO) on the Worksheet.
 

Select Gain/Loss Summary Worksheet: Considerations for details about the new features.

Click here to go back to the main 2009 Worksheet article.

 

 

 

IRS Circular 230 Notice: These statements are provided for information purposes only, are not intended to constitute tax advice which may be relied upon to avoid penalties under any federal, state, local or other tax statutes or regulations, and do not resolve any tax issues in your favor.

Username and password management for the IBKR Online Features

Overview: 

IBKR Online Features provides several forums where clients can express their opinion and vote for their favorite commercial or freelance software tools, programming features and third-party tutors.  In addition, the Features Poll forum allows clients to submit suggestions for future technology and service enhancements and to vote and make comments on the suggestions provided by others.  While there's no assurance that any one suggestion will be enacted, those which generate the widest support via this system tend to receive the highest priority in our programming queue.

Background: 

To participate in a forum, clients must first establish a username and password combination unique from that established for Account Management and trading platform access.  To add, delete or modify a username or password, you'll first need to log into Account Management and go to the Settings section followed by User Settings. Once there, click the gear icon next to the words "Online Features" in the Login section. From there enter a username and password which differs from that which you use to log into your account.  Then enter your account username and password to confirm.

If you have forgotten your Online Features password and/or wish to reset your username, you may do so through this same screen by re-entering your choices, then entering your account username and password to confirm and clicking on the Change button. As clients have the availability to self-manage their password in this manner there is no process in place to supply a forgotten password.

How do I determine which market data subscription is applicable for a given security?

IBKR provides account holders with a Market Data Assistant tool which assists in selecting the subscription services available for a given security (stock, option or warrant) they wish to trade. The search results show all exchanges upon which the product trades, the subscription offering and its monthly fee for both Professional and Non-Professional clients as well as the depth of market variations associated with each subscription.

To access the Market Data Assistant:

  1. Log in to Client Portal
  2. Click on the Help menu (question mark icon in the top right corner) followed by Support Center
  3. Scroll down and select Market Data Assistant
  4. Enter the Symbol or ISIN and the Exchange
  5. Choose a value for the optional filters: Professional/Non Professional subscriber status, Currency and Asset
  6. Click Search
  7. Review the available options and decide which subscription best meets your needs.

Find more information on the market data selections page of the IBKR website.

Glossary terms: 

How to Deposit Funds Via a Full ACATS/ATON Transfer

How to deposit funds to your Interactive Brokers account via a full ACATS/ATON Transfer

For information on how to initiate a partial ACATS/ATON transfer/ please click here

For Interactive Brokers tradeable products please visit the Contract Search Engine

For a detailed description of the Full ACATS/ATON process flow please click here 

For a list of the most common causes for ACATS/ATON rejects, please click here

 

 

How to Deposit Funds Via a Check

How to deposit funds to your Interactive Brokers account via a Check

Troubleshooting Client Portal Login Failures

Click on the link below which best describes your situation:

  1. Receiving “Invalid user name password combination” message
  2. Receiving “Login Failed” message upon entering security device values
  3. I’ve forgotten my user name and/or password
  4. I’m temporarily without possession of my security device
  5. My security device has been lost or damaged
  6. I’ve been issued a temporary passcode which has expired
  7. I’ve been issued an online security card which has expired
  8. I’m awaiting delivery of my physical security device and can now no longer log into my account
  9. I am able to log into Client Portal with my temporary passcode but not the trading platform
  10. I am in possession of my security device and wish to activate it
  11. Receiving “BAD CHARACTER” message after entering my user name

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you are unable to resolve your account access issue from the information above, please contact your local Client Services Center.  Also note that for security purposes, all requests for login assistance must be initiated via telephone as it requires prior verification of the account holder's identity. A listing of Client Services Centers, contact numbers and hours of operations may be found via the following website link: ibkr.com/support

 

1. Receiving “Invalid user name password combination” message.

Make sure that the Caps Lock key is not on as user name is case sensitive and is required to be input in lower case format.

IMPORTANT SECURITY NOTICE: If an account experiences 10 consecutive failed Client Portal login attempts within any 24-hour period, it will be locked out from login regardless of subsequent attempts using the correct user name and password combination. This lock out, intended as a security measure to prevent hackers from random attempts to guess the password, will remain in force until 24 hours have passed since the last unsuccessful log in attempt.

If you believe that your account has or is about to be been locked due to consecutive failed login attempts, you will need to contact to contact your regional Client Services Center via telephone for assistance. Note that assistance for log in matters is only provided via telephone and after the identity of the account holder has been verified.

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2. Receiving “Login failed” message upon entering security device values

a. If operating with a temporary passcode, note that alpha characters are case sensitive and are required to be input in upper case format

b. If operating a security card or electronic device, note that there are no spaces between characters

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3. I’ve forgotten my user name and/or password

For security purposes, all requests for assistance with a user name and/or password must be initiated via telephone and require prior verification of the account holder’s identity. Requests are to be directed to one of the regional Client Services Center. 

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4. I’m temporarily without possession of my security device

If you are temporarily without possession of your security device, interim access may be provided by contacting your regional Client Services Center via telephone where, once your identity has been verified, you will be provided with a temporary passcode.

The temporary passcode is a static alpha-numeric code which replaces the randomly generated code provided through your security device and which will provide full access to Client Portal and the trading platforms for 2 days. Should a lengthier period of interim access be necessary, and to obtain enhanced protection, it is recommended that you use the temporary passcode to log into Client Portal and print out the on-line security card which will operate as a replacement to your security device for up to 3 weeks.  

After the expiration of the temporary passcode or on-line security card, or if you regain possession of your security device beforehand, you will need to log into Client Portal and select the menu option to re-activate your security device.

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5. My security device has been lost or damaged

In the case of a lost or damaged security device, you will need to contact our Client Services Center to arrange for a replacement and to provide for interim access. As the time frame for shipping a replacement device may range form 3 to 14 days depending upon your country of residence, interim access is provided via an on-line security card. The on-line security card may be retrieved for printing or saving as an image to your desktop once a temporary passcode has been provided for Client Portal access.

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6. I’ve been issued a temporary passcode which has expired

The temporary passcode is intended to provide full access to both Client Portal and the trading platforms for a period of 2 days. After 2 days, the temporary passcode may no longer be used to access the trading platforms but may be used to access Client Portal for an additional period of 10 days. The Client Portal access, however, is limited solely for the purpose of printing or saving the on-line security card.  

If your window of access to Client Portal using the temporary passcode remains, you may print or save the on-line security card through which full access to both Client Portal and the trading platforms is provided for a period of 21 days. If you are unable to log into Client Portal, you will need to contact your regional Client Services Center for assistance.

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7. I’ve been issued an online security card which has expired

The on-line security card is intended to provide full access to both Client Portal and the trading platforms for a period of 21 days. This time frame, while limited, is intended to provide sufficient opportunity for the account holder to either regain possession of a temporarily unavailable security device or request and receive a replacement device.

If you are unable to log in using the on-line security card, you will need to contact your regional Client Services Center for assistance and to provide information as to the status of your permanent security device.

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8. I’m awaiting delivery of my physical security device and can now no longer log into my account

Depending upon your location, the physical security device should be delivered to the address of record on your account within 2 days in the case of US residents and within 2 weeks for all other accounts. It’s important to note that the permanent devices are set to automatically activate after a set time frame if not yet manually activated by the account holder. If this is the case and you encounter difficulties logging into your account, please contact our Technical Assistance Department at 1-877-442-2757.

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9. I am able to log into Client Portal with my temporary passcode but not the trading platform.

If your window of access to Client Portal using the temporary passcode remains, you may print or save the on-line security card through which full access to both Client Portal and the trading platforms is provided for a period of 21 days.

If you are unable to log into Client Portal, you will need to contact your regional Client Services Center for assistance.

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10. I am in possession of my security device and wish to activate it.

To activate either a replacement device or one which was temporarily unavailable and which required issuance of a temporary passcode, you will need to log into Client Portal and select the reactivate security device menu option. Once reactivated, neither the temporary passcode nor on-line security card will remain operable.

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11. Receiving “BAD CHARACTER” message after entering my user name.

Re-enter your user name and make sure that you do not include any spaces or characters which are not either alpha or numeric (e.g. !@#$%^&*(.,”:...etc.).

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