This question originated on the ABA Tax Listserv and was asked by Bruce Steiner of Kleinberg, Kaplan, Wolff & Cohen, P.C. I am Cc'ing his e-mail address and am asking others to do like wise.
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An investor wants to borrow (to sell short) stock that is hard to borrow. The broker charges an additional fee per day. Is the fee
(a) Deductible as investment interest (subject to the limitations on the deductibility of investment interest), (b) Deductible as an investment expense (subject to the limitations on the deductibility of investment expenses), (c) Capitalized into the position, or (d) None of the above.
Detailed explanation of no more than 200 words in support of your answer is required.
Dick