Answers. 1  There are two things to consider. First, what is the clearing date of your trade, particularly important if you want to use the same money. Often there is a three-day window when you sort of have the money, but can't use it on another trade. Second, if you buy the same stock back within 30 days, you won't be able to treat the losses as deductible in the same way, because the IRS figures it as the same event. Taxes get complicated at time. As long as sold for gain can buy back immediately. If sold for loss must wait 30 days or you lose the tax deductibility of the loss. Wash rule.