I am in need of Schedule D instructions. How do I complete a Schedule D tax form?

What is an IRS Schedule D?

Schedule D (Form 1040) is a tax schedule from the IRS that attaches to the Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, Form 1040-SR, or Form 1040NR. It is used to help you calculate their capital gains or losses, and the amount of taxes owed. Computations from Schedule D are reported on the Form 1040, affecting your adjusted gross income.

Schedule D Instructions

Regarding Schedule D instructions, if you have any sales of capital assets, you must first complete Form 8949, Sales and Dispositions of Capital Assets.

You’ll use the information from Form 8949 to complete Schedule D.

• Use Part I for sales of short-term assets — held for one year or less.
• Use Part II for sales of long-term assets — held for more than one year.

You’ll need this information to complete Form 8949:

• Description of property
• Purchase price
• Purchase date
• Selling price
• Selling date
• Adjustments

After you enter this information, you’ll calculate the gain or loss in the last column. Enter the totals at the bottom of each part. Then, enter the results on the Schedule D tax form, on the appropriate lines (1, 2, 3, 8, 9 or 10). Enter in Parts I (for short-term) and II (for long-term) the amounts that correspond, Parts I and II. In Part III of Schedule D, you’ll combine Parts I and II into a summary. Then, you’ll calculate:

• Which tax calculation form to use
• How much capital gain or loss to report on Form 1040

You’ll then fill in other applicable information on the Schedule D tax form. This information includes:

• Gains and losses from other forms — like Forms 4797, 6252, 8824, and others
• Gains and losses from Schedule K-1
• Loss carryovers

More Help Filling Out the Schedule D Tax Form

If you need more help completing the Schedule D tax form, enlist help from H&R Block! Whether you make an appointment with one of our knowledgeable tax pros or choose one of our online tax filing products, you can count on H&R Block to help you get your taxes done and won.