If I sell a stock at a loss; and buy the same stock within 30 days before or after the sale, the loss is deferred.
What if I buy options on that stock to maintain my position -- immediately before or after the sale. Is that considered as wash sale and defer the tax loss?
To make sure I maintain the position in the stock I sold, I can buy calls *and* sell puts -- at a price that is close to the price I sold the stock. Of course, I can always sell the call or buy back the put (or both) and never own the stock again.
If the above is a wash sale, what if I only buy calls OR sell puts (but not both)? This strategy means I can own the stock only if the stock price moves the direction of my options; but not if the stock price move against me.
TIA