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Form 8949 codes lookup

Every Form 8949 column (f) adjustment code — what it means, when to use it, and what belongs in column (g). Filter by letter or keyword.

Showing 15 of 15 codes

Multi-letter combinations (BW, TO, EL) are accepted by the IRS when more than one code applies to the same row — enter all applicable letters in column (f) with a single net amount in column (g). Source: official IRS Form 8949 instructions.

Skip the manual coding

Wash sales? Basis corrections? Already handled.

If you're filing crypto on Form 8949, the converter applies code W on wash-sale rows and preserves any broker-reported adjustment codes from your CSV or 1099-DA. You don't paste codes by hand — they ride into the TXF, and TurboTax Desktop accepts the import as-is.

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Form 8949 codes FAQ

What is column (f) on Form 8949?

Column (f) is where you enter a code — a single letter (or short combination of letters) — explaining why the gain or loss on that row is different from what proceeds minus cost basis would calculate. The code tells the IRS how to interpret the adjustment amount in column (g).

What does code W mean on Form 8949?

Code W means "wash sale loss disallowed." You sold a security at a loss and bought a substantially identical one within 30 days before or after the sale, which triggers IRC §1091 and disallows the loss. The disallowed amount goes in column (g) as a positive number.

What does code B mean on Form 8949?

Code B means the cost basis your broker reported to the IRS is incorrect. Most RSU and ESPP sales require code B because brokers cannot include W-2 compensation income in the reported basis. Column (g) is signed: negative to reduce an overstated gain, positive to reduce an overstated loss.

Can you combine Form 8949 codes?

Yes. The IRS accepts multi-letter combinations like BW, TO, or EL when more than one adjustment applies to the same row. Enter all applicable letters in column (f) with a single net amount in column (g). Order doesn't matter.

Does this lookup tool replace the IRS instructions?

No. It's a quick reference distilled from the official IRS Form 8949 instructions. For edge cases, statements required for code O, or any unusual situation, refer to the official IRS Form 8949 instructions.

Code	What it means · When you use it	Column (g) amount
B	Broker-reported cost basis is incorrect RSU or ESPP sale where the basis is too low; broker transfer where basis was lost in the transfer. Column (g): Signed — negative when broker-reported basis was too low (so reported gain was too high), positive when too high.	Signed — negative when broker-reported basis was too low (so reported gain was too high), positive when too high.
W	Wash sale loss disallowed You sold at a loss and bought a substantially identical security within 30 days before or after. Column (g): Positive — the amount of disallowed loss.	Positive — the amount of disallowed loss.
T	Holding period reported by broker is wrong Broker classified the position as short-term when you actually held it more than a year (or vice versa). Column (g): Zero — the code alone corrects the classification.	Zero — the code alone corrects the classification.
N	You are a nominee — someone else owned part of the asset 1099-B issued to you but another person owned part of the economic interest (joint or custodial accounts). Column (g): Adjustment reflects the portion belonging to the other party.	Adjustment reflects the portion belonging to the other party.
H	Sale of your main home — exclude qualifying gain Section 121 primary-residence sale, up to $250k single / $500k married filing jointly. Column (g): Negative — the excluded portion of the gain.	Negative — the excluded portion of the gain.
D	Accrued market discount on a debt instrument Bond sold with accrued market discount — that portion is ordinary interest income, not capital gain. Column (g): Negative — the accrued discount portion.	Negative — the accrued discount portion.
Q	Qualified Small Business Stock exclusion (Section 1202) Held QSBS more than 5 years and excluding gain. Column (g): Negative — the excluded gain.	Negative — the excluded gain.
X	Qualified Opportunity Fund gain deferral You rolled the gain into a QOF within 180 days. Column (g): Negative — the deferred gain.	Negative — the deferred gain.
R	Rollover gain on an empowerment zone asset Empowerment zone asset rollover. Column (g): Negative — the deferred gain.	Negative — the deferred gain.
L	Nondeductible loss (related party, personal use) Sale to a related party under IRC §267, or sale of personal-use property at a loss. Column (g): Positive — the disallowed loss.	Positive — the disallowed loss.
E	Selling expenses or option premium not reflected Commissions, fees, or option premium that the broker left out of basis or proceeds. Column (g): Signed — increases loss (negative) or reduces gain.	Signed — increases loss (negative) or reduces gain.
S	Ordinary loss on Section 1244 small business stock Losses on qualified small business stock treated as ordinary. Column (g): See Form 4797 instructions.	See Form 4797 instructions.
C	Collectibles (28% rate gain) Art, coins, precious metals, and similar collectibles. Column (g): Zero — the code triggers the 28% rate.	Zero — the code triggers the 28% rate.
O	Other adjustment requiring explanation Catch-all when no other code fits — must include a statement. Column (g): Signed — whatever the correction requires.	Signed — whatever the correction requires.
M	Multiple transactions summarized on one row Reporting totals instead of individual rows. Column (g): Zero (or net adjustment if any).	Zero (or net adjustment if any).
No codes match that filter. Try a single letter or a keyword like wash, basis, or collectibles.