FAQ’s

Software FAQ’s

What do I need to do in order to use TradeSoftPro?

  1. You must have a windows compatible computer (not MAC) https://ninjatrader.com/support/helpguides/nt8/NT%20HelpGuide%20English.html?minimum_system_requirements.htm
  2. You need to set up a trading account on NinjaTrader.com. Make sure you download the desktop version since that’s where you will install the software. The software is not accessible from the online log in.
  3. You will need to subscribe to the NinjaTraders live feed so you will be able to trade on the live market. The $12 per month is all you need to get started.
  4. Connect your bank account to your NinjaTrader account so you can transfer money to your account to trade with, pay your monthly live feed subscription and transfer money in and out as needed. This process usually takes about 3 business days to be approved. Once that’s connected you need to transfer at least the minimum amount needed to open the account and pay for the first month of live feed service. You are now ready to connect to the software.
  5. Purchase the software. If you’re paying with a credit card, go to our website link ‘software and spreadsheets’ and click on the icon for the software. Follow the instructions from there. Note: there is a 3% service fee for credit card charges. To avoid this you can use ACH, wire or check.
  6. Once payment is received for the software, you will receive an email with a link to download the software and necessary components for it to operate. Pay close attention to instructions to avoid installation issues.
  7. Once you have the software and components downloaded you will need to import the software to NinjaTrader. (This step is included in the instructions you will receive). Go to the control panel and click on ‘tools’, then ‘import’ then Ninja Script Add on. When the downloads file opens, click on the zip file for the software and click ‘Open’. A 3rd party warning box will pop up. Click OK. After a few minutes, you should receive a message box that says you have successfully completed the import. If you do NOT and receive an error message or fail message then contact customer support.
  8. Once the software and components are imported, you will need to create a chart. On the control panel click on ‘new’ then ‘chart’. A settings box will appear. On the top left select ‘YM 03-26’ or whatever the current data series may be. It may also show ‘YM MAR-26’. Either one is the same data series. Click ‘OK’. A chart will now appear. Across the top there are icons. When you move your mouse over these icons their name will appear. The second one from the right will show ‘Strategies’. Click on that one and property settings panel will appear. On the left side you will see the downloaded software listed. Click on that then down below that in the ‘configured’ box click ‘add’. On the right side click ‘apply’ then click ‘OK’.
  9. You will now need to add buttons to your chart in order to be able to control this chart. Across the top of the control panel, hold your mouse over the icons (5th one from right) and click on ‘Chart Trader’. The drop down will give you options. Click on the one that says, ‘Chart Trader’. On the right side of the chart a panel will appear with various buttons. Buy buttons and Sell buttons. These are for manual trading or closing a trade if the software won’t close for some reason. Under ‘account’ this will be the account showing on the chart. It may not be the same account you have it set to trade on. On the control panel click on the ‘strategies’ icon and then scroll down on the right side to ‘Setup’. Under account you should see sim101 or DEMO. On that dropdown is where you will see options to change this to your REAL account. This is where your chart can be set to. To view this the ‘account’ on the face of the chart should match this account for you to be able to view the trades that take place in this account.
  10. Once all of those steps are completed you will need to activate your software with customer support. Click on the ‘strategies’ icon then on the right side scroll down to Setup. The last one will be ‘Enabled’. You will need to check the box to the right in order to enable the software. Click the box then click, ‘Apply’, then ‘OK’. If your software has been activated your screen will turn gray and it will be enabled. Click OK. Your account is activated and you the software is ready to use. If the screen does NOT turn Gray and the box clears then you have not activated the account. You will see a box that pops up letting you know you do not have access to the software and need to email support. When you email support you will need to give them your machine ID so they can activate the correct account. To find your machine ID go to the control panel, click on ‘Help’, then ‘about’. A box will appear with your machine ID. Take a screen shot of that and email it to customer support and they will notify you once they have activated your account. If it’s during the day it should be shortly after they receive your email. If it’s after business hours then it should be the next business day (morning).

Tax Reporting FAQ’s

Does TradeSoftPro report my trades to the IRS?

No. TradeSoftPro does not report trades, profits, or losses to the IRS.

TradeSoftPro is a trading and execution support tool. It does not act as a broker, custodian, or clearing firm and does not issue tax documents.

Who reports my trading activity for tax purposes?

Your brokerage firm reports your trading activity.

At the end of the year, your broker provides official tax documents (such as a 1099-B) that summarize your trades, gains, losses, and wash sale adjustments.

Will trades placed using TradeSoftPro show up on my tax forms?

Yes.

Trades placed using TradeSoftPro are executed inside your brokerage account and are reported exactly the same as trades you place manually.

From a tax perspective, there is no difference between a TradeSoftPro trade and a manual trade.

What tax forms should I expect to receive?

Most traders will receive one or more of the following from their broker:

  • Form 1099-B – reports trade proceeds and gains/losses
  • Form 1099-DIV – dividends (if applicable)
  • Form 1099-INT – interest (if applicable)

These forms are typically available in January or February.

Does TradeSoftPro calculate wash sales?

No.

Wash sale calculations are handled by your broker, not TradeSoftPro.

If wash sales apply, they will appear on your broker’s 1099-B automatically. A Wash sale occurs when you:

  • Sell a security at a loss, and
  • Buy the same or a “substantially identical” security within 30 days before or after that sale

When this happens, the IRS disallows the loss temporarily.

Does using TradeSoftPro change how I’m taxed?

No.

Using trading software does not change your tax treatment.

Your tax classification depends on:

  • Your trading activity
  • IRS rules
  • Any tax elections you have made (such as Trader Tax Status)

Software usage alone does not create special tax treatment.

Are TradeSoftPro trading profits subject to self-employment tax?

Typically, no.

Day trading profits are generally not subject to self-employment tax, but they are subject to federal and state income taxes.

A tax professional can confirm how this applies to your specific situation.

Can TradeSoftPro provide tax advice or prepare my return?

No.

TradeSoftPro does not provide tax advice or prepare tax returns.

For tax planning, filing, or strategy questions, we recommend working with a CPA or tax professional familiar with active traders.

Can I use TradeSoftPro reports for my taxes?

TradeSoftPro reports are generated through NinjaTrader and are intended for performance review and analysis, not official tax reporting.

Your broker’s tax documents should always be used as the final source when preparing your tax return.

What if my TradeSoftPro data doesn’t match my broker’s 1099?

Your broker’s records are the official source for tax reporting.

TradeSoftPro data may differ due to:

  • Partial fills
  • Fees
  • Wash sale adjustments
  • Corporate actions
  • Timing differences

If there is a discrepancy, consult your broker or tax professional.

Where can I get help with trading-related tax questions?

For tax-specific questions:

  • Contact your broker
  • Consult a CPA or enrolled agent experienced with active traders

TradeSoftPro support can assist with software-related questions only.

Important Disclaimer

TradeSoftPro does not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice.
All trading activity is subject to IRS and state tax rules. Always consult a qualified tax professional regarding your personal tax situation.

IRA FAQ’s

Can I use my IRA to trade with TradeSoftPro?

Yes — TradeSoftPro can be used with an IRA through NinjaTrader. You will need to speak with them in order to set that up and coordinate with your custodian.

TradeSoftPro does not connect directly to accounts or hold funds. Trades are executed through your brokerage account, and some brokers allow limited trading activity inside IRAs

TradeSoftPro does not provide tax, legal, or retirement account advice.
IRA rules vary by broker and individual circumstances. Always consult your brokerage and a qualified tax or financial professional before trading in a retirement account.