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