Transaction reconciliation
Form 8949 Guide
Organize capital-asset sales by IRS category, reconcile broker amounts, total adjustments, and prepare the subtotals that flow to Schedule D.
8949
Sales and Other Dispositions of Capital Assets
Form 8949 subtotal worksheet
Reconcile proceeds, basis, and adjustments
Add transactions within the same IRS reporting category first. This worksheet calculates column (h)-style short-term and long-term subtotals; it does not replace the complete Form 8949 or Schedule D.
Short-term subtotal
$0Long-term subtotal
$0Preliminary net
$0Schedule D can also include capital loss carryovers, capital gain distributions, special-rate gains, and amounts from other forms. Use the official Schedule D instructions before transferring a final result.
Decision point
Use this guide when
- You sold or otherwise disposed of a capital asset and must report transaction-level details.
- A broker-reported basis, proceeds amount, holding period, or transaction description needs an adjustment.
- You have transactions not reported to you on Form 1099-B or Form 1099-S.
Read the document
Key boxes, columns, and parts
| Location | Label | What it means | Next destination |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boxes A/B/C | Short-term category | A: basis reported to IRS; B: basis not reported; C: no Form 1099-B received. | Form 8949 Part I |
| Boxes D/E/F | Long-term category | D: basis reported to IRS; E: basis not reported; F: no Form 1099-B received. | Form 8949 Part II |
| Column (a) | Property description | Identifies what was sold or disposed of. | Keep with the form records. |
| Columns (b) and (c) | Dates | Shows when the property was acquired and sold or disposed of. | Keep with the form records. |
| Column (d) | Proceeds | Sale proceeds reported for the transaction. | Keep with the form records. |
| Column (e) | Cost or other basis | The basis supported by the applicable basis rules and records. | Keep with the form records. |
| Columns (f) and (g) | Adjustment code and amount | Explains and quantifies a difference required by the Form 8949 instructions. | Keep with the form records. |
| Column (h) | Gain or loss | Proceeds minus basis plus or minus the reported adjustment. | Subtotal flows to Schedule D |
Follow the amounts
From source document to tax return
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1. Start with source documents
Gather Forms 1099-B/1099-S, broker supplements, trade records, and basis records. Open the related tool →
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2. Separate six reporting categories
Use A/B/C for short-term and D/E/F for long-term transactions.
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3. Enter transaction-level adjustments
Use the IRS adjustment code and amount when reported proceeds or basis must be reconciled.
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4. Total each category
Add proceeds, basis, adjustments, and gain/loss separately for each checked category.
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5. Transfer to Schedule D
Carry each Form 8949 category subtotal to its corresponding Schedule D line. Open the related tool →
Before filing
Four checks that prevent common errors
- Do not mix short-term and long-term transactions on the same Form 8949 part.
- Use a separate Form 8949 page when a different A-F category applies.
- Retain the records that explain every adjustment code and amount.
- Confirm that subtotals transferred to Schedule D retain the same category.
Continue the workflow
Related guides and calculators
Common questions
Form 8949 FAQ
What is the difference between boxes A, B, and C?
They are short-term categories based on whether you received Form 1099-B and whether basis was reported to the IRS. Boxes D, E, and F are the corresponding long-term categories.
Can I put a summary total on Form 8949?
The IRS instructions permit certain summary methods and attachments when their requirements are met. Transactions requiring different categories or adjustments must remain properly separated.
Where does Form 8949 go?
Its category subtotals flow to Schedule D, which combines them with other capital-gain and loss items.