[a-priori]

I don't know about American taxes, but at least in Canada individuals can do this for capital gains / losses.

If you have investments that produce losses one year, you can carry those losses forward to cancel out capital gains in following years and reduce your tax payable.

[lorenzhs]

In Germany, if you have less taxable income than tax deductions, you can carry that loss forward, too. It's a rare case, though, but it can save you several thousand when pursuing a second degree.

[a-priori]

Very interesting. This feels like one small baby step away from a negative income tax scheme where you'd receive that difference immediately, rather than having to wait until you make more income in a later year.

[el_cujo]

This is how it works in America as well.

[MetalGuru]

But the max per year is $3k, which is garbage.

[refurb]

$3k max to offset other income. There is no limit to offset capital gains.

[MetalGuru]

Even when carried forward?