Rules, costs and taxes
The rules, fees and taxes that apply to a US stock day trader in 2026: intraday margin after the PDT change, settlement, wash sales, regulatory fees and what a month of trading costs.
Day trading rules in 2026: every rule a US stock trader should knowDay trading rules for 2026: the PDT rule replaced by intraday margin, T+1 settlement, LULD halts, SSR, wash sales and taxes, each with its source.June 9, 2026, 12 min read
IBKR penny stocks: trading OTC and microcaps on Interactive BrokersIBKR penny stocks explained: which OTC tiers you can buy, IBKR's microcap restrictions, the 1% commission cap, OTC data costs and why scalpers stay listed.October 19, 2026, 8 min read
The real cost of day trading: commissions, fees, data and slippageThe cost of day trading on IBKR, line by line: commissions, SEC and FINRA fees, Level 2 data and slippage for 10 round trips a day, and what it means in R.October 13, 2026, 7 min read
The PDT rule is gone: what changed for day trading on Interactive BrokersYes: IBKR began dropping the PDT rule on June 4, 2026. No $25,000 minimum, no day trade count. What replaced it, a worked example and who is still on it.October 3, 2026, 9 min read
The short sale restriction (SSR): what it means when you are longThe short sale restriction (SSR) under Rule 201: the 10% trigger, why it lasts into the next day, what it does to the bid, and why long traders care.October 1, 2026, 7 min read
SEC fee on stock sales and FINRA TAF: the current ratesThe SEC fee on stock sales is $20.60 per million since April 4, 2026, and the FINRA TAF is $0 until Dec 31, 2026. Current rates, history and examples.September 14, 2026, 7 min read
IBKR Tiered vs Fixed for scalpers: the math on real tradesTiered vs Fixed pricing explained simply: Fixed is one flat rate a share, Tiered a lower rate plus exchange fees. Which is cheaper on IBKR, worked out.September 3, 2026, 10 min read
IBKR liquidation: margin calls and auto-liquidation explainedIBKR does not make margin calls: it liquidates once excess liquidity drops below zero. What triggers it, why excess liquidity falls and how to avoid it.August 20, 2026, 9 min read
Day trading taxes in the US: short-term gains, trader status, 475(f)Day trading taxes in the US: short-term gains at 2026 rates, a worked example, the $3,000 loss limit, trader tax status and the 475(f) election deadline.July 27, 2026, 9 min read
The wash sale rule for day traders, with worked examplesThe wash sale rule for day traders: the 30-day window, how losses move into basis, year-end and IRA traps, 1099-B reporting and the 475(f) exemption.July 3, 2026, 8 min read
Day trading a cash account: T+1 settlement and good faith violationsDay trading a cash account: T+1 settlement, good faith and free riding violations with a worked week, how IBKR enforces them, and when margin is better.June 15, 2026, 8 min read
Intraday margin on IBKR for small accounts after the PDT changeIntraday margin on IBKR for a $5,000 account: 26.25% initial, 25% maintenance, the 15:50 ET Reg T check, and how IMD calls and the 90-day limit work.June 12, 2026, 9 min read