Import Schedule D Data from csv file

[HV Ken]

Has anyone been able to import Schedule D data from a csv file?

I have a csv file, but when it comes up in the menu to allocate the columns, all the data is placed into one column. I suspect my csv file is not formatted properly, but can't figure it out.

Have been on with customer "support" for over 30 minutes now. The person I am working with has no idea about this function but I can't get past her to someone who actually knows something....

I'd like to hear from someone who had success and maybe see what a working csv file looks like.

Thanks!

[Gail in Virginia]

You might try importing your .csv file into a spreadsheet in excel just to see if it works the way a csv file is supposed to.

[HV Ken]

Finally got it to work. Here are the steps I followed. I am hoping either someone can suggest a better way, or at least what I found will help someone else!

This is for etrade.

Trading & Portfolios tab

Portfolios

Gains & Losses tab

You will be in "Realized Gains/Losses".

Set the Start Date and End Date for tax year, or use the Tax Year box; submit

Click on Download and save to file (File-1). This will be a worksheet format.

Open this file (File-1) in excel.

It will appear as a comma-delimited file, with each row being complete in one column.

Save this as a text file (File-2).

Take this file (File-2) into notepad and remove the double quotes that are at the front and end of each line.

Save File-2.

Enter Excel, open a new workbook and import File-2.

Data -> Import External Data -> Import Data and select the text version.

Now you are in the Text Import Wizard - Step 1 of 3.

click next to Step 2 of 3.

Change the Delimiters from Tab to Comma

Next; Finish

Save as csv file

voila! you now have an excel file you can read in the new Import Schedule D Data process.

Once I figured this out, I can do this in less than 5 minutes. I used this to import a client who had 74 trades. Now that I have this down, it will go much smoother. There just must be a way to eliminate some of these steps, but I am already better than I was before!

YMMV

[jasdlm]

Hmmm . . . I downloaded one from Fidelity. It downloaded as an Excel file. I did a 'save as .csv' file, and it uploaded into the schedule D with absolutely no problems. I wonder if it will be different for each fund company.