TaxAct^® customers can enter multiple Form 1099-B Proceeds From Broker and Barter Exchange Transactions quickly and easily by importing a CSV (comma separated values) file. This feature is available in TaxAct Premier+ and above. See Entering in Program - Form 1099-B for manual entry instructions.

In order to import transactions, you will need to obtain a spreadsheet file from your broker (or create one of your own) and save it to your computer. If you use Microsoft Excel or Open Office to open files, you must convert the spreadsheet file to CSV format, and then import that file into TaxAct. For an example, see the following sample CSV:

To import a CSV file into your TaxAct return:

1. From within your TaxAct return (Online or Desktop), click Federal. On smaller devices, click in the upper left-hand corner, then click Federal.
2. Click Investment Income in the Federal Quick Q&A Topics menu to expand, click Gain or loss on the sale of investments to expand, then click Stock data import.
3. Click CSV Import, then click Choose File to browse your computer for the CSV file.
4. Click Open (TaxAct Online users must then click Continue).
5. Use the drop-downs to match the column headings from your file to the appropriate column headings allowed in the program, then click Next.
6. Select any entries you want imported into your tax file (click the checkbox in the Import column heading to select all of the transactions), then click Next.
7. Review the transaction information on the screen. If everything is correct, click Import. If you need to make changes, click Previous to repeat prior CSV import steps.
8. Close the Import Successful notification window.
9. When you return to the CSV File Import screen, click Continue to review, modify, or delete any of the Form 1099-B data imported into your return.

If you import more than one CSV file or brokerage statement, the transactions will be added to the list of Form 1099-Bs previously created (up to 2,000 total).

Note. If you receive an error message while attempting to import your CSV file, try switching your browser to Chrome.

Note. The only way to see the CSV Import is to have the screen on full view. The CSV import is not available on smaller screens (such as on mobile devices).

Matching Column Headings

It is the responsibility of the taxpayer/preparer to make sure the CSV file columns match the appropriate fields in the TaxAct program. If these do not accurately match, the program may not calculate the investment sales correctly.

Note. You should compare the CSV or Excel file you obtain from your broker with the information that was reported to you on Form 1099-B. All transactions reported on Form 1099-B need to be included in your CSV or Excel file. If there are ANY transactions missing from your CSV or Excel file, you will need to manually add these transactions to your file before importing into TaxAct.

Related Links

• CSV Import with Wash Sales
• Capital Gains Tax
• Cost Basis
• Create Your Own Spreadsheet (to Import Form 1099-B Information) and Convert to a CSV File

Note that any link in the information above is updated each year automatically and will take you to the most recent version of the document at the time it is accessed.