How can I find out a stock purchase price?

Q: How can I find out the stock purchase price I bought and sold through an online brokerage company? I closed the account and they did not send me the purchased and sold prices of my stocks. —Ronald, Malden

The following answer was provided by Barry Beck, CPA, Barry D Beck, CPA, PFS, DABFA.

A: I find it hard to believe that the brokerage firm did not provide a report of the transaction, either on-line or in mail. It is understanding that this information is required by the SEC. Perhaps, the customer service department of the brokerage firm may be helpful.

As you do not have any of this information, you can review the newspaper for the date of purchase to determine the stock price. To be most conservative, use the low price for the day as your purchase price. Many would use the average of the high and low prices of the day. Don't forget to add the fees for the stock trade.

Perhaps, you'll do a little better with your record keeping in the future.