The Basics of Forex Taxation

David Hunt shares a bevy of tips to navigate the complicated world of tax filing for currency traders.

For beginner forex traders, the goal is simply to make successful trades. In a market where profits-and losses-can be realized in the blink of an eye, many investors get involved to try their hand before thinking long-term.

However, whether you are planning on making forex a career path or are interested in seeing how your strategy pans out, there are tremendous tax benefits you should consider before your first trade.

While trading forex can be a confusing field to master, filing taxes in the US for your profit/loss ratio can be reminiscent of the Wild West. Here is a break down of what you should know.

For Options and Futures Currency Traders
Anyone who wants to get started in forex options and/or futures are grouped in what are known as IRC 1256 contracts. These IRS-sanctioned contracts mean traders get a lower 60/40 tax consideration. What this means is 60% of gains or losses are counted as long-term capital gains/losses, and the remaining 40% as short term.

The two main benefits of this tax treatment are:

• Time: Many forex futures/options traders make several transactions per day. Of these trades, up to 60% can be counted as long-term capital gains/losses.
  

• Tax Rate: When trading stocks (held less than one year), investors are taxed at the 35% short-term rate. When trading futures or options, investors are taxed at a 23% rate (calculated as 60% long-term times 15% max rate plus 40% short-term rate times 35% max rate).
  

Spot Forex Traders
Most spot traders are taxed according to IRC 988 contracts. These contracts are for foreign exchange transactions settled within two days, making them open to ordinary gains and losses as reported to the IRS. If you trade spot forex, you will likely automatically be grouped in this category.

The main benefit of this tax treatment is loss protection. If you experience net losses through your year-end trading, being categorized as a "988 trader" serves as a large benefit. As in the 1256 contract, you can count all of your losses as "ordinary losses" instead of just the first $3,000.

Next: Comparing the Two

Comparing the Two
IRC 988 contracts are simpler than IRC 1256 contracts in that the tax rate remains constant for both gains and losses-an ideal situation for losses. 1256 contracts, while more complex, offer more savings for a trader with net gains-12% more. The most significant difference between the two is that of anticipated gains and losses.

The Solution: Choosing Your Category Carefully
Now comes the tricky part: deciding how to file taxes for your situation. What makes foreign-exchange filing confusing is that while options/futures and OTC are grouped separately, you as the investor can pick either a 1256 or 988 contract. The tricky part is that you have to decide before January 1 of the trading year.

The two types of forex filings conflict, but at most accounting firms you will be subject to 988 contracts if you are a spot trader and 1256 contracts if you are a futures trader. The key factor is talking with your accountant before investing. Once you begin trading, you cannot switch from 988 to 1256, or vice versa.

Most traders will anticipate net gains (why else trade?), so they will want to elect out of their 988 status and into 1256 status. To opt out of a 988 status, you need to make an internal note in your books, as well as file with your accountant.

This complication intensifies if you trade stocks as well as currencies. Equity transactions are taxed differently, and you may not be able to elect 988 or 1256 contracts, depending on your status.

Keeping Track: Your Performance Record
Rather than rely on your brokerage statements, a more accurate and tax-friendly way of keeping track of profit/loss is through your performance record. This is an IRS-approved formula for record keeping:

• subtract your beginning assets from your end assets (net)
  

• subtract cash deposits (to your accounts) and add withdrawals (from your accounts)
  

• subtract income from interest and add interest paid
  

• add other trading expenses
  

• words here
  

The performance record formula will give you a more accurate depiction of your profit/loss ratio, and will make year-end filing easier for you and your accountant.

When it comes to forex taxation there are a few other things you will want to keep in mind, including:

• Deadlines for filing: In most cases, you are required to elect a type of tax situation by January 1. If you are a new trader, you can make this decision before your first trade-whether this is January 1 or December 31. It is also worth noting that you can change your status mid-year, but only with IRS approval.
  

• Detailed record keeping: Keeping good records (and backups) can save you time when tax season approaches. This will give you more time to trade and less time to prepare taxes.
  

• Importance of paying: Some traders try to "beat the system" and earn a full or part-time income trading forex without paying taxes. Since over-the-counter trading is not registered with the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), some traders think they can get away with it. Not only is this unethical, but the IRS will catch up eventually and tax-avoidance fees will trump any taxes you owed.
  

The Bottom Line
Trading forex is all about capitalizing on opportunities and increasing profit margins, so a wise investor will do the same when it comes to taxes. Taking the time to file correctly can save you hundreds if not thousands in taxes, making it a transaction that's well worth the time.

David Hunt is a contributor to Investopedia.com.