FAQ: TradeLog Application and Subscriptions

• Operating System: Windows 11, Windows 10, or any older Supported Versions of Microsoft Windows
• User Account Control: TradeLog software requires full user administrator access rights. See this article to learn how: How to run an application with administrator access
• Internet connection: An internet connection is required to install and register the application, for updating, and for most import and lookup features.
• Firewall: Windows firewall is recommended. No additional firewall application should be necessary. Firewall settings must allow TradeLog full access to the Internet. Norton/Symantec security software has created problems for some of our users, and must either be configured properly, or removed completely as we have found that simply disabling it does not make the problems go away.
• Important Notes:
  • Thumb drives, Removable drives - TradeLog files cannot be run from these devices. However, the Backup/Restore functions will work with such devices.
  • Network drives - TradeLog files can be run from network drives provided the user has full admin rights to the network drive. Corporate networks are not supported.

Beginning with TradeLog version 20.2, users are required to enter the registered email address and password to authenticate and access TradeLog. These same credentials are also used to log in to My Account on tradelog.com for purchasing and managing subscriptions. This update makes TradeLog and your personal data more secure. Legacy subscriptions were issued an initial password, which should be reset by users. New users will be issued a unique password upon sign-up on tradelog.com, which can be reset if desired. We always recommend using a strong, unique password.

I'm concerned about my privacy and would prefer to use the previous TradeLog method. We understand most people are very concerned about privacy and protecting confidential information. We remind users: our previous method of authentication was less secure. If someone obtained/created your previous RegCode they could potentially get your name and email address, use your TradeLog subscription, and even open your TradeLog data file (if they obtained the file). While we have no reports or evidence of past abuse or leaks, we feel its important to proactively secure our systems. Therefore, we will not support previous versions of TradeLog.

TradeLog requires users to provide and verify an active email address to access and purchase a TradeLog subscription. This ensures sign-up is by a real person and that we can communicate important information including order receipts and subscription reminders via email. Users may manage preferences and unsubscribe from marketing related emails.

We do not store taxpayer identification numbers (SSN or EIN), credit card information, or broker account numbers on our servers. Click here to learn more about how we use and secure your private information.

More information:

• Selecting a New Folder
• Cloud Storage
• Create a Backup Data File 
• Moving TradeLog Data Files

See the following: How we use and secure your private information

If you have an active subscription, simply run the TradeLog application on your device, TradeLog should check for updates and alert you. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the update installation. You can also check for updates from the Help menu in the TradeLog application

Login to manage your subscription, then click the button to Download TradeLog. You must have an active subscription to activate TradeLog

One TradeLog file can support any number of brokerage accounts and any number of trade records - depending on the limits of your subscription level.

Note: while TradeLog can theoretically support an unlimited number of trade records in a data file, the processing abilities required for extremely high numbers of records may exceed many computers. We have users with up to 390,000 records successfully using TradeLog.

A supported broker means TradeLog has an import filter specifically designed to read the broker-provided trade history, or a BrokerConnect API interface.

Click here to see all currently supported brokers.

You may be able to import into TradeLog. Click here to learn more.

The TradeLog Data File is the file created by the application for a specific taxpayer and tax year. These files are identified by the extension “.tdf”.

TradeLog creates the filename using the designated tax year, and the name of the taxpayer. For example “2021 John Doe.tdf” would be the TradeLog data file for John Doe’s 2021 tax year.

Each data file contains all of the trade history that was imported and modified/adjusted, plus any other file-specific settings. The file data is encrypted and can be opened with TradeLog, and only by the registered user who created the file. It may also be password protected if the user chose to.

A File Key (formerly known as “TaxFile”) is a unique identifier assigned to a TradeLog Data File when the End Tax Year process is completed. The File Key unlocks finalized tax reporting on the attached data file.

Each annual subscription to TradeLog includes one (1) File Key. Most TradeLog users do not need to purchase additional File Keys. Since each one-year subscription includes one File Key, just renew your subscription each year and you'll have what you need for your individual reporting. If you are preparing reporting for more than one taxpayer (such as for yourself and an entity, or for yourself and a family member or friend), then you may need an additional File Key. Or, if you are using TradeLog to prepare reporting for multiple tax years at the same time you may also need additional File Keys. Uncertain about your situation and needs? Contact us with details and we’ll let you know what’s required.

You can purchase additional File Keys anytime for $79 each, as long as you have an active subscription. Login to view your options and pricing.

There is no limit on how many File Keys you can purchase. However, TradeLog will limit to using no more than seven (7) File Keys during any one-year period of time.

File Keys are attached to your subscription and cannot be transferred to another subscription. Unused File Keys do not expire, and will be available for subsequent years if you renew your subscription. Unused File Keys are not eligible for refunds after 30 days from the date of purchase.

To view your available File Keys use the List File Keys function, click here to learn more.

A supported broker means TradeLog has an import filter specifically designed to read the broker-provided trade history, or a BrokerConnect API interface.

Click here to see all currently supported brokers

You may be able to import into TradeLog. Click here to learn more

TradeLog does not import 1099-B data

1. The 1099-B has already been adjusted for wash sales by the broker, however it provides insufficient details to know which cost basis amounts have been adjusted from a wash sale. This makes it impossible to calculate additional wash sales
2. The 1099-B only reports trades that were closed in the tax year. However, a complete trade history is needed by TradeLog in order to determine all wash sale adjustments, and to provide a complete picture of your trading performance
3. The very purpose of TradeLog is to generate trader tax reporting independent from the 1099-B and applying tax rules for taxpayers - not the broker. Your 1099-B may result in higher taxable gains because of the broker’s wash sale methods, TradeLog seeks to avoid that situation

TradeLog imports actual trade history (buy and sell data) before adjustments are made. This allows for accurate, and auditable results

Click here to learn more about the problems with 1099-B

TradeLog uses actual trade history provided by brokers. This contains a record of all the trades made for a period of time. For supported brokers, we provide specific instructions for the trade history report needed. You will need trade history for the entire tax year you wish to complete, as well as the January of the subsequent year (if using cash basis accounting)

For non-supported brokers, you would need to be able to obtain trade history that contains:

• Trade Date - not the settlement date
• Whether the trade is an Open or Close position and whether Long or Short - typically identified as Buy / Bought, Sell / Sold, Sell to Open / Sold Short, Buy to Close, or similar. 
• Ticker - For stocks, mutual funds, ETFs this would be the actual ticker symbol. For Options, the Option Ticker identifying the underlying security, expiration date, strike price and contract type is required
• Quantity of Shares or Contracts
• Price
• Commission/Fee - this can sometimes be calculated if the broker does not provide

If a broker provides this information in a CSV or similar file format, you can likely use our Excel import feature, click here to learn more. You may send a copy of your trade history to TradeLog Support if you’d like to see your broker added to our supported brokers list. We can only add brokers if (1) they consistently provide trade history needed, and (2) there is sufficient demand from our users; we determine if and when we are able to add support for a broker

The first year using TradeLog you'll need to establish a starting point so the application knows what positions were carried into the first tax year for each account. Our Wizard will help guide you through this process. You'll need to have your December statement for the prior tax year, for each account. TradeLog will ask some questions based on those statements. You may then be asked to download trade history for the prior tax year so that TradeLog can locate the cost basis information for each position open.

Alternatively, if you know the cost basis details for all positions at your starting point, you can manually enter those positions. Click here to learn more

We provide technical support for using TradeLog for registered users with an active subscription. We may limit the support we provide for Free Trial level subscriptions. While we provide various channels for support - phone, chat, email, etc. - we may limit the type of support we can provide during various times of the year and in certain situations. This allows us to provide the best support for all customers needing help.

For the best support, we strongly suggest one of the following preferred methods:

• Get Support button on the TradeLog toolbar
  This is the quickest and easiest method and will automatically send the required files to our secure server.
• Online Support Request Form
  Or submit a contact request, you can upload your TradeLog data files and other helpful supporting documentation to our secure server.

Supplying us with a complete description of the problem, what led up to it, and any supporting data (trade history files, etc.) will greatly speed up the issue resolution process. We reply to support requests via email. Most technical support issues are resolved within the same business day, provided we receive all of the necessary details from the user.

Occasionally we have users that require more extensive support because of a complex situation or lack of technical ability. We strive to give our users as much support as reasonable but if the required support extends beyond "technical software support" and becomes basic computer instruction or accounting services, we will refer the user to our Services team.

We expect our Support Team to conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times and we ask that our users do the same when interacting with us. We do not tolerate obscene, abusive or threatening language or requests for illegal tax reporting practices. We reserve the right to refuse support in such cases.

If you are contemplating a TradeLog purchase but are unsure if it will meet your needs: please start with our 30-day Free Trial. The Free Trial is provided to help you make an informed decision before purchasing. You can use the Free Trial to set up your broker accounts, import trade history, and preview the reporting and portfolio management features of the application.