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Why is PortfolioPilot recommending tax-loss harvesting for holdings in my IRA or 401k?

Tax-loss harvesting works by realizing losses to offset gains and reduce your tax bill. It applies to taxable accounts only. In tax-deferred accounts (Traditional IRA, 401(k), SEP-IRA) and tax-free accounts (Roth IRA, Roth 401(k), HSA), tax-loss harvesting doesn't apply, because those accounts aren't taxed on yearly gains in the first place.

If you're seeing tax-loss harvesting suggestions on a retirement account, the account's Tax Treatment is likely set to Taxable by mistake. To fix it:

  1. Open Net Worth and find the account.
  2. Click the pencil (Edit) icon.
  3. Under Tax Treatment, choose Tax-advantaged for Traditional IRA / 401(k) / SEP-IRA, or Tax-free for Roth IRA / Roth 401(k) / HSA.
  4. Click Save.

Once the tax treatment is correct, open the Taxes page on the next refresh. Tax-loss harvesting suggestions will stop appearing for that account.

Last updated on
June 4, 2026

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