Considerations
If you have net realized losses greater than $3,000 with unrealized gains, you can realize gains without any tax consequences, up to the point where you are left with a $3,000 net loss. This is a great opportunity to realize gains tax-free. Those gains may not be available for you next year. If you have a net loss of $12,000 for the current year, you can realize $9,000 worth of unrealized gains without paying another nickel in taxes. Look at the 'Unrealized Views' in your portfolio to identify the securities that make up your unrealized losses.