I still think free advice is worth exactly what you paid for it; even if the posters are 100% correct about the mechanics of the calculations, snezzer's situation is unique and requires the iput of a professional to make sure he does not create a tax problem that is much bigger than need be - for instance, perhaps his accountant may tell him to sell some shares this year and some on Jan 1st in order to keep from moving into a higher overall tax bracket.

IMO - Shortty