Rules & Taxes
Rules & Taxes
Rules & Taxes explains who regulates forex signal sellers and brokers in the United States and Canada, when a signal seller has to register, how to look a firm up, why signal groups so often push offshore brokers, and how forex trading gains and losses are taxed. Rules change, so every article says when it was last checked and points to the official source. None of it is tax or legal advice.
Start here
Are Forex Signal Sellers Regulated in the US? CFTC, NFA and the Publication Exemption
Most US forex signal sellers are not registered, and often don't have to be. How the CFTC, NFA, the publication exemption and Lowe v. SEC draw the line, and what still protects you.
Read this first →More in Rules & Taxes
Forex Regulation in Canada: CIRO, Provincial Regulators and Signal Sellers
Who regulates forex in Canada: provincial securities commissions, CIRO, the National Registration Search, the general advice exemption for signal sellers, and offshore broker warnings.
Read the explainer →How Forex Trading Is Taxed in the US: Section 988, the 1256 Election, and Form 6781
How the IRS taxes retail forex: Section 988 ordinary treatment, the capital gain election and its same-day timing, Section 1256 60/40, Form 6781, and worked examples for 2026.
Read the explainer →How Forex Trading Is Taxed in Canada: Capital Gains vs Business Income
How the CRA taxes forex trading: capital vs business income, IT-95R and the speculator position, converting US-dollar results, the $200 rule, Quebec, and worked examples.
Read the explainer →Offshore Forex Brokers Explained: Why Signal Groups Push Them and What You Give Up
Why forex signal groups steer US and Canadian traders to offshore brokers, what the leverage and bonuses really cost, and which protections you lose by leaving a registered dealer.
Read the explainer →