You may receive information reporting on Form 1099 which is also reported on the K-1.  For example, if you hold publicly traded units in a partnership, and the partnership does not pay out dividends but instead pays a quarterly cash distribution which is classified as return of capital and not dividend income, the amount will also be reported on Form 1099-DIV.  Distributions  from Canadian income or royalty trusts may be reported on Form 1099 or if treated as a partnership on the K-1.

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.

The IRS defines a wash sale as a sale of stock or securities at a loss within 30 days before or after you buy or acquire in a fully taxable trade, or acquire a contract or option to buy, substantially identical stock or securities.  

A wash sale occurs if you realize a loss on the sale of the security, and then buy a "substantially identical" replacement stock within the 61-day period, and the loss is deferred until the replacement shares are sold.

Commodity futures contracts are not considered stock or securities and are not covered by the wash sale rule; however, any straddle position acquired after June 23, 1981 is subject to the rule. 

For further information on the wash sale rule, refer to IRS Publication 550, Investment Income and Expenses, the instructions to Schedule D (Form 1040), and consult your tax advisor.

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.

Mutual fund distributions may be in the form of long-term capital gains or ordinary income distributions (which includes any short-term capital gain).

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.

Assets held for investment purposes, including as stocks, options and bonds, are classified by the IRS as capital assets. When such assets are sold, a capital gain or loss is realized on the sale. If the capital asset is sold for a price greater than its purchase price, then a capital gain has been realized; if less, then a capital loss has been realized. In determining whether a capital gain or loss has been realized, adjustments to the purchase and sales price may be allowed to recognize certain transaction costs such as commissions and other specific adjustments.

Proper determination and recognition of capital gain and loss is important as capital gains may be subject to lower tax rates than other forms of income. Net capital losses are subject to annual limits. The taxation of capital gains and losses are also distinguished by the length of time the asset was held prior to sale.

IRS Publication 550, "Investment Income and Expenses" is a good source of information on this topic. It is available free on line at www.IRS.gov/formspubs. We also recommend you consult your tax professional.

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.