I need to know if the Schedule D and D-1 are the same for 2009 as they were in 2008, as far as the columns on Schedule D-1. I've called the IRS to ask and gone through 2 phone batteries waiting on hold.
My Schedule D-1 is about 20 pages and I always get started early and take the form and clip and paste and print my own for pages 3 through whatever. If you have a link that explains any changes, etc. that can work. Their website does not yet show the 2009 forms. I do not want to start until I'm positive that the columns A-F are not changing. Tax rates can change but some years the rate changes mid year and there is a G column.
Identical.
Draft copies have already been posted.
http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-dft/f1040sd--…
http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-dft/f1040sd1-…
FWIW, the way to get to the drafts at irs.gov is under the tax professionals tab, then click on "more topics" on left and then scroll to draft pick list.
And yes, when I was regularly selling stock, I prepped my excel spreadsheet once a month. It made doing my taxes *much* less stressful.
If you electronically file your return, you can just enter two lines on Sch D (one for the short-term total and one for the long-term total) and check the box that indicates you will file Form 8453 with the detail attached.
This makes filing your return a piece of cake.