Jim Forrester, CPA Trader income tax preparation can be overwhelming for the first-time filer. Even many experienced traders prefer to entrust their federal income tax return to Traders Accounting’s tax professionals rather than battle it alone. You know trading; we know trader taxes. It’s just common sense.
The Internal Revenue Service has two tax codes: one for businesses, the other for individuals. Because businesses grow money both by paying taxes and employing other taxpayers, they are rewarded and encouraged through a benevolent tax code. Individuals, however, are treated far more harshly by routine tax hikes and diminishing deductions.
One of the most important decisions you will make as a trader is whether to elect the mark-to-market (MTM) accounting method. Although MTM is only available to traders, not investors, and does offer some significant tax advantages, it is not right for everyone. What makes this decision so important is that once you select MTM,
Futures trading covers a vast array of trading instruments, from stock indices and U.S. Treasury bonds to precious metals, energy sources such as oil and gas, and everyday foodstuffs including meats, grains and coffee.