E*TRADE sends Form 1099s and other tax documents between mid-January and early February

E*TRADE mails consolidated tax documents starting around mid-January each year, with most accounts receiving them by early February. The exact timing depends on the type of account you hold and the complexity of your transactions during the year. Accounts with simpler activity (fewer trades, no options) often arrive first; accounts with options trading, margin activity, or multiple account types take longer to process.

You do not have to wait for the physical mail. E*TRADE posts tax documents to your account online several days before they mail the paper copies. Log into your E*TRADE account, go to the Documents section, and look for "Tax Documents" or "1099 Forms" — the exact menu name varies by account type. You can download and print them immediately, which most people do rather than waiting for paper.

The IRS deadline to receive your 1099 forms is February 15 each year. E*TRADE is required to file copies with the IRS by that date, but you will have your documents well before then if you check online.

Key Takeaways

  • E*TRADE posts tax documents online in mid-January, several days before mailing paper copies.
  • You can download 1099s, 1098s, and other tax forms directly from your account without waiting for mail.
  • Accounts with options trading or margin activity take longer to generate than simple stock-only accounts.
  • The IRS requires E*TRADE to file your forms by February 15, so you will have them well before tax season ends.

Where to find your documents in your E*TRADE account

Log into your E*TRADE account on the website or mobile app. On the website, look for the menu labeled "Documents" or "Account" — the exact location varies depending on whether you use the classic interface or the newer E*TRADE Pro platform. Once you find Documents, select "Tax Documents" or "1099 Forms."

You will see a list of available forms organized by year and account. Most people need the 1099-B (brokerage transactions), 1099-INT (interest income), and 1099-DIV (dividends). If you hold bonds, you may also see a 1099-OID. If you have a margin account, look for a 1099-INT showing margin interest paid. Download each form as a PDF and save it to your computer or print it directly.

If you cannot find the Documents section, call E*TRADE customer service at 1-800-387-2331. They can walk you through the menu for your specific account type or email the forms to you directly.

What to do if your documents are not posted by late January

If you log in after January 20 and do not see tax documents in your account, check whether you are looking in the right place. Some E*TRADE accounts separate tax documents by account type — if you hold both a brokerage account and an IRA, each will have its own tax documents section. Make sure you are viewing the correct account.

If documents still do not appear by January 25, contact E*TRADE directly. Delays can happen if your account had unusual activity late in the year (large transfers, account changes, or corrections to prior-year records). E*TRADE customer service can tell you the expected delivery date for your specific account and can email documents to you as soon as they are ready.

Do not assume your documents are missing just because you have not received mail. E*TRADE prioritizes online posting, so check your account before calling.

Understanding the different tax forms E*TRADE sends

E*TRADE sends different forms depending on what you held and what activity occurred in your account. The most common form is the 1099-B, which reports stock and mutual fund sales. This shows the sale date, proceeds, and cost basis for every position you sold during the year. If you did not sell anything, you may not receive a 1099-B.

The 1099-INT reports interest income from cash held in your account or from margin interest you paid. The 1099-DIV reports dividend income from stocks and mutual funds. If you hold bonds, the 1099-OID reports original issue discount. If you hold Treasury securities, you may receive a separate form from the Treasury Department instead of E*TRADE.

If you hold an IRA or other retirement account, you will not receive a 1099 for that account — retirement accounts are tax-deferred, so E*TRADE does not report activity to the IRS. You only receive tax forms for taxable brokerage accounts.

How to handle corrections if E*TRADE sends an amended form

Occasionally E*TRADE discovers an error in a form after it has been posted and mailed. When this happens, they send a corrected form labeled 1099-B-C (or 1099-INT-C, 1099-DIV-C, depending on the form type). The "C" stands for corrected. You will see both the original and corrected versions in your Documents section online.

If you receive an amended form, use the corrected version when you file your taxes. You do not need to do anything else — E*TRADE files the corrected version with the IRS as well. If you have already filed your taxes using the original form, you may need to file an amended return (Form 1040-X) if the correction changes your tax liability. A tax professional can advise you on whether an amended return is necessary.

What to do if you sold at a loss or have cost basis questions

The 1099-B includes cost basis information — the original price you paid for shares you sold. E*TRADE calculates this based on the method you selected when you opened your account (usually "average cost" or "first in, first out"). The form shows both the proceeds from the sale and the cost basis, which your tax software uses to calculate your gain or loss.

If you believe the cost basis is wrong, review your trade confirmations from the time you purchased the shares. If there is a discrepancy, contact E*TRADE with the original trade date and the correct cost. They can issue a corrected 1099-B if the error is on their end. If the error is on your end (you misremembered the purchase price), you will need to correct it on your tax return or with a tax professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file my taxes before I receive my E*TRADE tax documents?

You can file early if you log into your account and download the forms online — they are posted several days before the mail arrives. However, the IRS will not accept your return if it is missing income that appears on your 1099. If you file before receiving all your forms and then receive a corrected form later, you will need to file an amended return.

What if I closed my E*TRADE account during the year?

E*TRADE still sends tax documents for the year you held the account, even if you closed it. Log into your account online if you still have access, or call customer service to request the forms be emailed to you. They will send documents for any activity that occurred while the account was open.

Do I need to print my tax documents or can I file electronically with the PDF?

You do not need to print them. Most tax software allows you to upload PDFs directly or manually enter the information from the forms. The IRS does not require you to mail paper copies of your 1099s with your return — you only need to keep them for your records in case of an audit.

Why does my 1099-B show transactions I do not remember?

The 1099-B includes all sales of securities during the year, including partial sales, dividend reinvestments that were later sold, and transfers between accounts. If you set up automatic dividend reinvestment, those shares are sold when you eventually liquidate them, and they appear on the 1099-B. Review your trade history in your account to match specific transactions.

What if I have multiple E*TRADE accounts?

Each account generates its own tax documents. Log into each account separately and download the forms for each one. When you file your taxes, you will need to combine the income from all accounts on your return. Your tax software usually has a field to enter multiple 1099s.