Náklady, brokeři a praxe
How to Read a Brokerage Account Statement
Key takeaways
- Cost basis is essential for calculating tax when you eventually sell.
- Unrealized gain or loss does not mean you've made or lost money — it only becomes real at the point of sale.
- The statement also shows a fee summary — review it at least once a year.
- The date of acquisition determines whether the holding period test applies.
A brokerage account statement is a document that captures the current state of your portfolio, the history of transactions, and a cost overview — and understanding its structure will save you trouble at tax time.
What the statement contains
A standard statement includes:
- Position list — each instrument with the number of units/shares, current price, and total value.
- Cost basis — what you paid for the securities. Essential for calculating the tax base.
- Unrealized P&L — the difference between the current value and the cost basis. Not relevant for tax until you sell.
- Transaction history — date, number of units, price, and fee for each trade.
- Fee summary — commissions, forex fees, and non-trading charges for the period.
Cost basis and taxes
Keep a record of the cost basis — when you sell securities, you'll need the difference between the acquisition and sale price to calculate taxable gain. The acquisition date determines whether the three-year holding period test has been met: securities held for more than three years are exempt from tax under applicable legal conditions. For the full tax context, see the article ETF taxes in the Czech Republic.
How to read unrealized gain
Unrealized gain (or loss) shows how much your portfolio has grown since purchase. However, it is only a paper value. It becomes reality at the moment of sale. Don't let a tempting green number push you into selling prematurely, or a red number into panic.
Fees in the statement
Go through the fee section every year. If you see significant amounts paid in non-trading fees or forex conversion charges, it's a signal to reconsider your broker. More on the true costs of fee-free investing in the article on brokers' hidden costs.
FAQ
What is cost basis?
The total amount you paid for a security, including fees. It is the basis for calculating taxable gain or loss at sale. Without it, you cannot correctly file a tax return.
What is unrealized gain?
The difference between the current market value and the cost basis of securities you still hold. It is a "paper" gain — it becomes real only upon sale. Until then, it is simply information about the current state of your portfolio.
How long should I keep my statements?
In the Czech Republic, a minimum of three years after the sale of the security is recommended, ideally longer. The tax authority can review tax returns retrospectively, and the cost basis is a key supporting document.
What should I do if cost basis is missing from my statement?
Look for it in the transaction history or trade confirmations. If the broker doesn't have the history, try exports from the time of purchase. As a last resort, consult a tax advisor on how to proceed with missing documentation.