Your taxes may not be your first thought or even your second or third when you set out to begin forex trading. You’ll probably be more focused on successfully generating your earnings than anything else. Like it or not, however, the issue will inevitably come around. Knowing what to expect—and what to do—will come in handy when that time comes.
What To Expect
Forex earnings are taxed the same way as regular commodities unless you choose to apply the special rules concerning “treatment of certain foreign currency transactions”. You’ll receive the proper forms and earnings statements from your forex broker at the beginning of the year. It should come in the form of a 1099. From there, you’ll need to decide how to handle your investment earnings. There are several different options. You could lump them in under the heading of section 1256 or you could report them in section 988. Knowing which choice is the right one to make depends on your investment income as well as your knowledge and experience with the tax code. Whatever you choose, you should consider your investment gains to be taxable income like everything else you’ve earned this year—the government will.
Getting Help
That’s why the best thing that you can do to deal with potential taxes on your investment earnings comprehensively is to simply get help. Hiring an experienced tax professional will never hurt you and it can definitely save you some headaches—maybe even a little heartache. As forex trading becomes more and more popular, it is likely that the IRS will be taking a closer look at these earnings. With the knowledge that you have the right kind of help and experience at your back, you’ll be able to get back to your life and stop worrying. Even better, you’ll be able to focus on making more money on the foreign exchange market instead.

November 9th, 2011
MReed 








