How to access cost basis and realized gain/loss information.
When your account moves to Schwab, the cost basis for your open positions will move with it—as will realized gain/loss information for 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 Schwab.com.
1. Go to Accounts > Positions
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.
More details to know about mutual funds.
Additional details
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For mutual funds, Lot Details will reflect the average price if the default is set to Average. For accounts set to Identified, the original costs should be displayed within Lot Details.
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 directly at 800-323-4332 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 about account settings
Additional details about cost basis settings
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If your account is set up with an identified cost method for mutual funds or was set up to use the average cost method, these settings will carry over to your new Schwab account.
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If your account has mixed tax lot elections, which means that you have selected different default tax lot elections for different classes of securities (for example, a different tax lot election for equities, options, and fixed income), these instructions won't move to Schwab. Your default tax lot election at Schwab for equities, options, and fixed income will be first-in, first-out (FIFO).
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If your tax lot elections are the same across all asset classes, this will carry over to Schwab.
How to change the cost basis method when placing a trade on Schwab.com.
You can change the cost basis method in the trade ticket for a particular order at the time the trade is placed.
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 Schwab.com.
Not available at TD Ameritrade, the ability to select specific lots at the time of trade is available on Schwab.com. 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.
More details about existing and new orders.
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.com 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.