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What Is the Tax Treatment of an Option That Expires Worthless?

When a purchased option expires worthless, the entire premium paid is treated as a capital loss. The loss is realized on the expiration date.

The loss is classified as short-term or long-term based on the option's holding period (one year or less is short-term, more than one year is long-term).

How Does the Holding Period Differ for a Written (Sold) Option?
Why Is the 60/40 Split Considered a Tax Advantage for Short-Term Traders?
Is There a Minimum Holding Period for a Derivative to Qualify as Long-Term?
What Is the Maximum Long-Term Capital Gains Tax Rate Currently?