Considerations
The IRS allows investors to write off a net loss of $3,000. If you have net realized gains with unrealized losses in your account, you have not optimized your portfolio from a tax standpoint. Let's test this with real numbers: Suppose you had recognized gains of $8,000 for the year. If these were short-term gains, the average investor (in the 28% tax rate) would owe $2,240 in taxes. By realizing losses of $13,000, that same investor would have a tax credit of $840. That is a difference of $3,080! Look at the 'Unrealized Views' in your portfolio to identify the securities that make up your unrealized losses.