How to access cost basis and realized gain/loss information.
When your account moves to Schwab, the cost basis for all your open positions will move with it—as will realized gain/loss information for any historical positions that were closed at TD Ameritrade before your transition date.
Cost basis
Where to find cost basis information when you log in to the Schwab website.
1. Go to Accounts > Positions > Market Value.
2. Click on the dollar amount in the Cost Basis column to see lot details.
3. The lot details will be displayed in a separate pop-up window.
Note: The symbol used in this image is for illustrative purposes only and is not a recommendation.
How to fix "Incomplete" cost basis.
If any part of your cost basis information is missing (such as a tax lot detail), your cost basis at Schwab will display as "Incomplete." Follow these steps to add the missing cost basis information.
1. Go to Accounts > Positions, and find the position with missing information. Then, click on the word Incomplete in the Cost Basis column. This will trigger a pop-up window displaying your lot details for that position.
Note: The symbol used in this image is for illustrative purposes only and is not a recommendation.
2. To add missing cost basis information, click on Missing in the Cost Basis column for the applicable lot.
Note: The symbol used in this image is for illustrative purposes only and is not a recommendation.
3. Now enter your missing information. If you need to add information for multiple tax lots, select Add a Row. To save, simply click the button labeled Next once you are done. If for any reason you are unable to edit any of your positions, please contact us at 877-686-1937 (from the U.S.) or +1-415-667-8400 (outside the U.S.).* Monday 1:00 a.m. to Saturday 1:00 a.m. E.T. and one of our expert associates will be happy to assist you.
Note: The symbol used in this image is for illustrative purposes only and is not a recommendation.
How to change your default preferences.
1. Go to the profile icon > Account Settings.
2. To choose your default preferences, select Edit cost basis method.
3. Choose your preferred method and select Update.
Additional details
Additional details
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You can select a single cost basis default that will apply to all securities in each account. However, you won't be able to set different defaults based on the type of security class.
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Accounts that have mixed cost basis instructions will be set to FIFO (First In First Out) upon transition to Schwab. After the move, you'll be able to select specific lots at the time of trade and up until the settlement date.
How to change the cost basis method when placing a trade on the Schwab website.
You can change the cost basis method in the trade ticket for a particular order at the time the trade is placed. As a reminder, you can continue to make cost basis selections on the thinkorswim® suite of platforms, available at Schwab later in 2023.
1. On the trading ticket, select Cost Basis Method.
2. Next, choose the method you'd like to use.
3. Then select Update and you'll be returned to the trade ticket to complete your trade.
Note: The symbol used in this image is for illustrative purposes only and is not a recommendation.
How to choose specified lots on the Schwab website.
Not available at TD Ameritrade, the ability to select specific lots at the time of trade is available on the Schwab website. Here's how it works:
1. On the trading ticket, select Cost Basis Method.
2. Then select Specified Lots as the cost basis method for the order.
3. Enter the quantity of shares of the specified lots that need to be closed, then select Update.
4. The cost basis method has been updated to Specified Lots. You can now proceed to reviewing the trade order.
Note: The symbol used in these images is for illustrative purposes only and is not a recommendation.
Additional details
Additional details
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When canceling an existing order and entering a new one, or modifying an existing order, you'll need to reenter specified lots or the cost basis method since those don't carry over to the new order. For example, if you change the price of a limit order, the existing order will be canceled and a new order number will be generated with the new price.
Realized gain/loss
How to access your realized gain/loss information on Schwab website for trades made at Schwab.
Your realized gain/loss information for any historical positions that were closed at TD Ameritrade before your transition date will move with you to Schwab. Here's where to find it.
1. Go to Accounts > History > Realized Gain/Loss.
2. You can search by symbol or select a date range to view your closing transactions.
Note: Realized gain/loss information is not available through thinkorswim or the Schwab Mobile app.
How to access your realized gain/loss information for historical positions that were closed at TD Ameritrade before your move to Schwab.
Your reports will remain accessible and secure on the GainsKeeper® reporting system. Here's how to access your reports:
1. Go to Accounts > History > Realized Gain/Loss.
2. If you've selected the single account view, you will see a link to the GainsKeeper page in the blue bar located at the top of the page.
3. If you've selected an all accounts view, you will see individual links to the GainsKeeper page appear in a yellow bar below each account. You must click on each link to view the information held at GainsKeeper for each account.
4. By clicking the GainsKeeper link, you'll see a prompt informing you that you're leaving Schwab. After clicking the Go to GainsKeeper button, GainsKeeper will appear in a new window.