Reporting Lawsuit Settlements
Whether you have to pay taxes on a settlements from a investor class-action lawsuit depends on why you got the money.

In the I'm-mad-as-hell-and-I-won't-take-it-anymore category, more and more investors burned by stock market losses are joining class-action lawsuits against the companies.
But what if you get a settlement from such a suit? Is this money taxable?
The answer depends on why you got the money. If, for example, it was because you were overcharged for a stock -- because the price was artificially high because of accounting shenanigans (or worse), for example -- the payment is seen as a refund of part of that price. So, if you still own the securities, you should reduce your basis to reflect the payment, and there's no tax consequence until you later sell the stock.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
If you've already sold the shares, however, you're supposed to report the payment as a capital gain on Schedule D for the year you get the check.
But, if any part of the settlement was for punitive damages, that money is taxable as ordinary income.
And, if part of the payment represented interest earned on the settlement before it was paid out, that's interest income.
The settlement agent should be able to help you sort out things.
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.

-
Higher Summer Costs: Tariffs Fuel Inflation in June
Tariffs Your summer holiday just got more expensive, and tariffs are partially to blame, economists say.
-
Don’t Miss Alabama Tax-Free Weekend 2025
Tax Holiday Ready to save? Here’s everything you need to know about the 2025 back-to-school Alabama sales tax holiday.
-
Higher Summer Costs: Tariffs Fuel Inflation in June
Tariffs Your summer holiday just got more expensive, and tariffs are partially to blame, economists say.
-
Don’t Miss Alabama Tax-Free Weekend 2025
Tax Holiday Ready to save? Here’s everything you need to know about the 2025 back-to-school Alabama sales tax holiday.
-
Parents Prepare: Trump's Megabill Brings Three Crucial Tax Changes
Tax Changes Are you a parent? The so-called ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ (OBBB) impacts several key tax incentives that can affect your family this year and beyond.
-
‘I Play Pickleball in Retirement.’ Is It HSA-Eligible?
Retirement Tax Staying active after you retire may be easier with these HSA expenses. But there’s a big catch.
-
Mississippi Tax-Free Weekend 2025
Tax Holiday Just in time for Prime Day, Mississippi celebrated a tax holiday in July. Find out what back-to-school essentials were included.
-
Ten Cheapest Places to Live in Virginia
Property Taxes The Commonwealth of Virginia has some cheap places to live. Here are a few if you hate paying property taxes.
-
2025 SALT Cap Could Hurt Top 'Hidden Home Cost'
Tax Deductions The GOP tax bill could make hidden homeowner costs worse for you. Here’s how.
-
Retire in the Bahamas With These Three Tax Benefits
Retirement Taxes Retirement in the Bahamas may be worth considering for high-net-worth individuals who hate paying taxes on income and capital gains.