Day Trader Tax Guide: For Securities Traders

Day traders must comply with a set of unique and complex tax rules. Many traders are paying too much tax and don't even know it. They make a mistake by relying solely on their tax preparer to properly comply with the tax rules and to provide them with tax-saving advice. This booklet is intended to inform the one-person day trader, who actively and materially participates in a securities trading activity. It generally explains the "mark to market" tax election (the most valuable tax-saving election available to day traders). It then compares the tax rules applicable to the regular day trader, with those which apply to the day trader who has made such an election. Day traders are ultimately responsible for the taxes they pay. Many unfortunately pay thousands of dollars in unnecessary taxes each year. Don't be one of them.