keep every statement, even for a tiny account
Posted: Fri Oct 30, 2026 10:54 am
Tax rules on trading profits differ widely by country, and some places treat retail forex as income, others as capital gains, and a few have special regimes. Nothing here replaces a local accountant.
What stays true almost everywhere is that good records make everything cheaper. Keep monthly and annual statements downloaded as files, not only viewable on the broker's website, since access can disappear if an account closes.
Useful items include a trade history with open and close times, deposits and withdrawals with dates, and any fees or swaps charged. Spreadsheet exports work, but the broker's own statement carries more weight.
Currency matters as well. Some authorities want gains converted to the local currency at specific dates, so noting exchange rates at deposit and withdrawal can save hours later.
Missing records are the usual headache. Some brokers charge for old statements, and an account closed years ago can be tough to retrieve anything from.
Does anyone keep a yearly folder with statements, bank records and notes, and what system has stayed tidy?
What stays true almost everywhere is that good records make everything cheaper. Keep monthly and annual statements downloaded as files, not only viewable on the broker's website, since access can disappear if an account closes.
Useful items include a trade history with open and close times, deposits and withdrawals with dates, and any fees or swaps charged. Spreadsheet exports work, but the broker's own statement carries more weight.
Currency matters as well. Some authorities want gains converted to the local currency at specific dates, so noting exchange rates at deposit and withdrawal can save hours later.
Missing records are the usual headache. Some brokers charge for old statements, and an account closed years ago can be tough to retrieve anything from.
Does anyone keep a yearly folder with statements, bank records and notes, and what system has stayed tidy?