When my financial advisor sells my funds and re-invests the money, does that count as taxable income?


Question:
I have money invested in a series of mutual funds through a financial advisor. Every so often, based on market performance, he will sell the funds that aren't doing well, and re-invest the money in more profitable funds. My question is, when the old funds are sold, does this count as "income" that should be reported to the IRS? I'm a bit confused on the issue.

Answer:
If its not in a tax-sheltered account, such as an IRA, your capital gains are taxed either as short or long term. It doesnt matter if its reinvested the same day in something else, six months from now or a year from now. You owe taxes on the sale. And it doesnt matter if the money stays in your account with your broker or you take possession of it. You owe taxes on the sale, if its not in a tax-sheltered account.
Whenever a stock is sold, regardless if it's reinvested or not, you pay tax (or take a loss). That's one downside to mutual funds, they are constantly reinvesting dividends and at the end of the year you get hit with a big bill sometimes.
Yes, you will get a 1099 at the end of the year for these transactions. All of your transactions will be netted together and you will pay tax if you have gains or you will get a tax deduction up to $3000 if you have losses. The transactions are reported on Sch D of your tax return.
Make sure you keep records of how much you bought the mutual fund for, as well as how much it was sold for and the dates of the transactions. This is important information that needs to be reported to the IRS. It also determines if it will be a long term gain/loss (over 1 yr), which is a lower interest rate or a short term gain/loss. Usually your financial advisor will provide this information to you, although some are better than others.
Go here for more information http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,i...
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