In scanning all 11 pages of this thread, I wanted to at least indicate the following, based on Trader Status. First, I have identified trader status with specific accts, not my IRA's/Roth accts. Secondly, I do trade under "trader status"futures, although the tax incentives are better under another umbrella, the future trading offers me a greater leverage for my limited resources and much better potential to make $$$ for my particular trading style.
In reference to the day trading and the questionable "frequent day trading" allowable by the IRS, surmised by other individuals in this thread, I know the following is applicable.
IRA Roth transactions
1. The holding period has no meaning - there is no distinction between long or short term capital gains
2. the sources of income or gain are treated the same - dividends, interest, capital apprectiation - again no distinction within an IRA/Roth
3. Internal transactions are not report to the IRS, there are just not any tax issues on buy or sell transactions within an IRA/Roth.
4. The IRS has no interest in record keeping, the only record keeping should be for yourself, marking your progress, etc..
5. There is no TAX Losses, the losses aren't a workable solution to your winnings.
6. Frequency of trades - the IRS does not care.... the IRS does care if you have "trader status", but in reference to Roth IRA, and trading Options, Forex, Futures, or Equities, there is no mention anywhere.
I trade with IB options, futures and equities, and due to the low commissions rate, the need to swing trade and scalp, I have no choice but to be a daytrader. As a matter fact, IB has thrown out T+3 for IRA's. (need for cash accts with Trade Day plus 3 day's prior to settlement and available cash to trade) Sort of a pseudo margin acct.
What I have found in the last 4 years is the lack of knowledge by CPA's, accountants, about trader status, usually 3 people and five opinions. Granted it is a gray area, unfortunately most of these people will wing it, call themselves advisors, and provide erroneous information to enhance their stature.
Suggestions, check with Mann Financial, traderstatus.com, tradersaccounting, fairmark.com,daytradingcoach.com/daytrading-free-educationtaxfiling.htm. Do your own research, take whatever you learn from this thread as questionable and certainly not the gospel.