If you sell stocks, ETFs, or other securities in a US taxable account, you will likely need to report those transactions to the IRS using Form 8949 and Schedule D. Understanding the basics of these forms can help you stay organized during tax season.
What Is Form 8949?
Form 8949 is where you report individual sales and dispositions of capital assets. Each transaction gets its own line showing: description of property, date acquired, date sold, proceeds, cost basis, and gain or loss. The form is split into Part I (short-term, held one year or less) and Part II (long-term, held more than one year).
What Is Schedule D?
Schedule D summarizes the totals from Form 8949. It is where your total short-term gains/losses and long-term gains/losses are calculated and combined. The net result flows to your Form 1040.
Common Issues With Cost Basis Reporting
Your brokerage typically provides a 1099-B that lists your transactions, but the cost basis reported may not always match your records, especially if you transferred shares between brokerages, received shares as gifts, or have wash sale adjustments.
How HCC StockWatcher Can Help
Portfolio tracking tools like HCC StockWatcher can generate estimated Form 8949 reference data from your transaction history. This data is organized in the Form 8949 format with proceeds, cost basis, and estimated gain/loss per transaction. It can serve as a reference when preparing your return or reviewing your 1099-B.
Official IRS Resources
Disclaimer: The data generated by HCC StockWatcher is for informational and reference purposes only. It is not a substitute for your official 1099-B from your brokerage. Tax calculations involve rules around wash sales, constructive sales, specific identification elections, and other complexities. Always consult a qualified tax professional and use your official brokerage documents when filing your tax return.
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