Is anyone elses cost basis messed up?

Discussion in 'Interactive Brokers' started by El_Cubano, Dec 29, 2021.

  1. El_Cubano

    El_Cubano

    Today I logged in and right now I'm looking at messed up costs bases' on a couple positions. Its freaking me out and I have no idea whats going on. Never seen this kind of error before.
     
  2. SteveM

    SteveM

    Yes, I had problems a couple weeks ago. TWS is a terrible platform.
     
  3. qlai

    qlai

  4. El_Cubano

    El_Cubano

    No position transfer. But these postions were newer established ones with some previous entries/exits. I've never seen wash sale adjustments modify my cost basis inside of TWS. One day my basis was one thing and next it was another. But if anything these adjustments from a wash sale should lower your basis not raise it.
     
  5. ET180

    ET180

    I've never seen that happen. Only time I have noticed my cost basis changing is due to wash sale, purchase or sale, or a split.

    If you ran the tax optimizer it may have adjusted your cost basis if possible. For example, say I bought 50 shares of XYZ at $50 and another 50 shares of XYZ at $100. My cost basis is $75. I then sell 50 shares. Your cost basis can change depending on what 50 shares you decided to sell. Did you sell the ones purchased at $50 or the ones purchased at $100? If you elected to sell the shares purchased at $50, then your cost basis is now $100. If you elected to sell the shares purchased at $100, then your cost basis is now $50. By default, I think your cost basis would be $75 unless your broker tries to minimize your realized gains by default or it may try to realize long-term gains over short-term gains where possible for tax efficiency.
     
    Last edited: Dec 29, 2021
  6. KevinBB

    KevinBB

    From my experience in trading futures, TWS doesn't know how to handle partial position closures as far as the Unrealised P&L goes. Something goes awry when the cost of a closed position is taken into account.

    I keep my own records for gains and losses on each closed futures position. My records always match the daily Activity Statement, but don't agree with TWS unrealised P&L.

    KH
     
  7. lpope

    lpope

    Account statements are correct. Anything complex screws up TWS - shares acquired through options, return of capital, wash sales, trading in and out of a security, etc.