Question

A worthless security had a holding period of six months when it became worthless on December 10, 2020. The investor who had owned the security had a basis of $20,000 for it. Which of the following statements is correct?

a. The investor has a long-term capital loss of $20,000.
b. The investor has a short-term capital loss of $20,000.
c. The investor has a nondeductible loss of $20,000.
d. The investor has a short-term capital gain of $20,000.

Answer 1

Answer: B. The investor has a short-term capital loss of $20,000.

Step-by-step explanation:

A short-term loss occurs when a deficit is realized when there's a sale of an asset which has been held by the person for a period of one year or less.

In this case, since the security was worthless, it's a loss and was also help for six months which is less than one year, then it's a short term capital loss.

Therefore, the correct option is B