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The Daily Insight

Can I transfer capital losses to my spouse?

Author

Ava Robinson

Published Feb 11, 2026

You may be able to transfer a portion of your unrealized capital losses to your spouse by selling the securities in a loss position to your spouse at FMV. They could then sell the securities to a third party to realize the loss. You would need to report the sale to your spouse on your tax return.

Can you transfer tax losses?

Companies can carry forward a tax loss indefinitely, and use it when they choose, provided they have maintained the same majority ownership and control. If there is a change of at least 50% in the ownership or control of a company, the company needs to satisfy the: same business test, or.

Is there a limit to capital loss carryover?

Net capital losses exceeding the $3,000 threshold may be carried forward to future tax years until exhausted. There is no limit to the number of years there might be a capital loss carryover. 1  2  Capital losses that exceed capital gains in a year may be used to offset ordinary taxable income up to $3,000 in any one tax year.

Can a spouse carry forward a capital loss?

If you file separately in the future, you’re usually limited to carrying forward only your capital losses and your spouse gets to keep the losses she incurred. For example, say you had a $5,000 net loss and your spouse didn’t have any investing gains or losses.

Can a loss be carried forward to a future year?

Capital loss carryover is the net amount of capital losses eligible to be carried forward into future tax years. Net capital losses (total capital losses minus total capital gains) can only be deducted up to a maximum of $3,000 in a tax year. Net capital losses exceeding this threshold may be carried forward to future years. Next Up.

How is loss carryover calculated on a joint tax return?

Calculating Loss Carryover. If you’re filing jointly, you must include both your losses and your spouse’s losses when figuring your capital loss. For example, if you have a $5,000 loss but your spouse has $10,000 of gains, your loss is used up when you file a joint return.