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Tax

§475(f) Trader Mark-to-Market Election

Qualify as a trader — deduct unlimited losses against ordinary income.

Overview

Traders in securities who elect §475(f) mark positions to market at year end, converting gains/losses to ORDINARY. Unlocks unlimited loss deduction (no $3K cap), no wash sale rule, and full home-office/expense deductions. Must qualify as a trader (frequency, continuity, intent).

Best fit
Full-time day tradersActive systematic tradersProp-style solo traders
Estimated impact
Unlimited loss deduction; ~$20K+ expense deductions

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