Investopedia

Substantially Identical Security

Filed Under »
Dictionary Says

Definition of 'Substantially Identical Security'

A security that is so similar to another that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) does not recognize a difference between the two. Substantially identical securities can include both new and old securities issued by a corporation that has undergone reorganization. Convertible securities and common stock of the same corporation can also fall into this category if the market and conversion prices are similar.
Investopedia Says

Investopedia explains 'Substantially Identical Security'

Substantially identical securities cannot be used in tax swaps to create capital losses. Securities used in swaps must be similar but not substantially identical; if they are, the IRS will consider the transaction to be a wash sale, and will disallow it.

Articles Of Interest

  1. Avoid Tricky Tax Issues On Municipal Bonds

    Learn the rules every investor should know before buying into this "tax-free" investment.
  2. Selling Losing Securities For A Tax Advantage

    Tax-loss harvesting can help you to reduce taxes on your portfolio gains, but make sure you know the rules!
  3. Capital Gains Tax 101

    Find out how taxes are applied to your investment returns and how you can reduce your tax burden.
  4. To Sell Or Not To Sell

    Learn some tips on how to exit a position to the best of your advantage.
  5. The Art Of Cutting Your Losses

    Find out how to keep your capital losses small and let your winners run.
  6. Derivatives 101

    Learn how to use this type of investment as an alternative way to participate in the market.
  7. The Barnyard Basics Of Derivatives

    This tale of a fictional chicken farm is a great way to learn how derivatives work in the market.
  8. A Guide To Real Estate Derivatives

    These instruments provide exposure to the real estate market without having to buy and sell property.
  9. America's Loss Is The Currency Market's Gain

    The Smithsonian Agreement hurt the U.S. in the short-term, but was necessary in furthering real market-driven exchange rates.
  10. Are Derivatives A Disaster Waiting To Happen?

    They've contributed to some major market scandals, but these instruments aren't all bad.
comments powered by Disqus
Marketplace
Hot Definitions
  1. Fool In The Shower

    The notion that changes or policies designed to alter the course of the economy should be done slowly, rather than all at once.
  2. Pattern Day Trader

    An SEC designation for traders who trade the same security four or more times per day (buys and sells) over a five-day period, and for whom same-day trades make up at least 6% of their activity for that period.
  3. Cost-Push Inflation

    A phenomenon in which the general price levels rise (inflation) due to increases in the cost of wages and raw materials.
  4. Happiness Economics

    The formal academic study of the relationship between individual satisfaction and economic issues, such as employment and wealth.
  5. Affluenza

    A social condition arising from the desire to be more wealthy, successful or to "keep up with the Joneses." Affluenza is symptomatic of a culture that holds up financial success as one of the highest achievements.
  6. Icarus Factor

    The term Icarus factor describes a situation where managers or executives initiate an overly ambitious project which then fails. Fueled by excitement for the project, the executives are unable to reign in their misguided enthusiasm before it is too late to avoid the failure.
Trading Center