Can I claim a deduction for paying margin calls?
March 5, 2003
Subject: Margin calls
From: Jody
Date: Sat, 8 Feb 2003
Good Morning:
How do I report for tax purposes the payment of some margin calls? I already know how to report margin interest, but not the actual loss of paying the margin itself as I had to 1) sell some stock to cover and 2) send a check to cover the call.
I appreciate any help that you can give me!
Sincerely,
Jody
Answer
Date: 28 Feb 2003
Hello Jody,
Paying a margin call is not tax deductible. It is the repayment of a debt. If you sell stock at a loss to get the cash to pay the margin call, the stock sales and related capital losses are reported on Schedule D.
Good luck!
Mike Gray
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