What is meant by my cost basis?
Cost basis is the IRS term for the amount of money you have invested in your shares. The cost basis of any shares sold is usually the original price you paid for the shares. The cost basis of any shares acquired through dividend reinvestment will equal the total dollar amount of the distributions that were reinvested. Your gain or loss on a sale or exchange is determined by your cost basis relative to the amount realized. If you sell or exchange for more than your cost basis, you have a capital gain. If you sell or exchange for less than your cost basis, you have a capital loss.
