Transferring stock from Computershare - Bogleheads.org (2024)

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16 posts• Page 1 of 1

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kareemy
Posts: 5
Joined: Sun Nov 15, 2015 2:22 pm

Transferring stock from Computershare

Postby kareemy »

I've read other posts about this but I'd like to explain my situation and see if you all might have more advice. Soon I will have a lot of stock in a single publicly traded company at Computershare. It is going to be about $500,000 worth. A private company was bought by a public company. The stock transfer is happening through Computershare.

Once my stock is in Computershare I'd like to transfer it to Vanguard. I have an existing account at Vanguard. Is it best to initiate the process through Vanguard? What is the best way to get started and what should I do or avoid to try to ensure that it goes smoothly? Any extra precautions or concerns I should have because it is a lot of money?

I've heard more positive experiences with Fidelity, specifically that it is done faster and can be done all online whereas Vanguard may be hit or miss. I'm not opposed to opening a Fidelity account. Any experiences with Fidelity?

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SeekingAPlan
Posts: 214
Joined: Sat Dec 12, 2015 12:03 pm

Re: Transferring stock from Computershare

Postby SeekingAPlan »

I transferred stock from Computershare to Fidelity a few weeks ago. I initiated the process online from Fidelity's website. The transfer happened the next day. Very easy. No issues. No fees.

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lazynovice
Posts: 2955
Joined: Mon Apr 16, 2012 10:48 pm

Re: Transferring stock from Computershare

Postby lazynovice »

There are hundreds of posts comparing Vanguard to Fidelity. You will get opinions on both sides. The transfer can be originated online at both brokerages. I have done it at both and both handle it just fine.

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HomeStretch
Posts: 9568
Joined: Thu Dec 27, 2018 2:06 pm

Re: Transferring stock from Computershare

Postby HomeStretch »

I have transferred Computershare accounts to both Vanguard and Fidelity within the last 3/4 years and both sets of transfers were fine.

Initiate the transfers online at either Vanguard or Fidelity. If the account registrations (i.e., name on the account) at Computershare and V/F accounts are identical and the Computershare account shares are in book entry, this should be sufficient to effect the transfer. If the names differ or if the shares are certificated (should not be the case as this is a recent transaction), you will be required to print forms, get a medallion guarantee and attach the paper stock certificates, if any. At Fidelity, the local office will give the guarantee and send the forms to Computershare. At Vanguard, you will need to get the guarantee from a bank, etc. and mail the forms yourself. At least this was how it worked in my cases 3-4 years ago.

Good move to transfer the shares from Computershare. It is a good transfer agent but it is expensive to sell shares through their affiliated brokerage. They also charge a fee for dividend reinvestment which fewer issuers are paying (that means you do). You can reinvest dividends at V/F without any fee.

Chant
Posts: 26
Joined: Sun Feb 12, 2012 3:31 pm

Re: Transferring stock from Computershare

Postby Chant »

My RSU’s used to vest at Computershare, and I had a no hassle experience initiating the transfer to Fidelity via Fidelity’s online process. Because I was also collecting that stock prior to automated cost basis tracking, I found it helpful (though tedious) to print out and calculate all of the reinvestment transactions so that I could correctly identify my cost basis and fill in that value in the Fidelity brokerage account prior to selling. That may/may not be an issue for you.

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Faith20879
Posts: 1140
Joined: Fri Mar 02, 2007 9:16 am

Re: Transferring stock from Computershare

Postby Faith20879 »

HomeStretch wrote: Wed Mar 30, 2022 12:18 pm...
It is a good transfer agent but it is expensive to sell shares through their affiliated brokerage. They also charge a fee for dividend reinvestment which fewer issuers are paying (that means you do). You can reinvest dividends at V/F without any fee.

Yeah, tell me about it.

I just consolidated my last batch from Computershare to Vanguard last week. Because Vanguard doesn't hold fractional shares, I had to sell those first and the service fee/commission was quite eye-opening.

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vicstalam
Posts: 1
Joined: Sat Oct 06, 2018 9:08 am

Re: Transferring stock from Computershare

Postby vicstalam »

About three months ago I closed my Computer share account (600K) and transferred all assets to Ameritrade (even though I have accounts at Vanguard & Fidelity). They paid me a transfer bonus of 1K. All transactions were initiated fom my Ameritrade account. Best.

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Transferring stock from Computershare - Bogleheads.org (1)

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Re: Transferring stock from Computershare

Postby LadyGeek »

Transferring stock from Computershare - Bogleheads.org (2) To some, the glass is half full. To others, the glass is half empty. To an engineer, it's twice the size it needs to be.

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backpacker61
Posts: 1260
Joined: Wed May 20, 2020 6:36 am

Re: Transferring stock from Computershare

Postby backpacker61 »

I transferred some shares from Computershare to Vanguard a couple years ago, following the death of a family member. I was responsible the deceased's trust accounts. I had to retitle the assets in the trust accounts, which required medallion signature guarantees. The transfer to Vanguard went smoothly, and I was pleased with their service.

“Now shall I walk or shall I ride? | 'Ride,' Pleasure said; | 'Walk,' Joy replied.” | | ― W.H. Davies

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illumination
Posts: 2383
Joined: Tue Apr 02, 2019 6:13 pm

Re: Transferring stock from Computershare

Postby illumination »

Make sure you carefully record all your cost basis data.

I personally found Computershare difficult to work with, I got some company stock transferred over, but zero cost basis data. Even for proceeding years with reinvested dividends through them where I thought they legally had to. WAY easier to say transfer shares from a major brokerage to another. Computershare seems like a company that's still in the stone age. I would never want to have any sort of ongoing relationship with the company. Everything just took longer and seemed more tedious. Maybe just luck of the draw?

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water2357
Posts: 598
Joined: Sat Sep 12, 2020 9:24 am

Re: Transferring stock from Computershare

Postby water2357 »

Tip -- If you have done all the work and are expecting Computershare to transfer the shares to Vanguard and they aren't moving, get in touch with Computershare directly and tell them to move the shares to Vanguard. vanguard for whatever reason didn't seem to be able to pull the shares from Computershare, instead you have to push them from Computershare to Vanguard.

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mw1739
Posts: 1023
Joined: Mon Mar 21, 2011 5:44 pm

Re: Transferring stock from Computershare

Postby mw1739 »

I also recently pulled shares from Computershare to Fidelity. No hassles and it was done within a couple days.

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jaxinvestor
Posts: 21
Joined: Tue May 14, 2019 7:43 pm

Re: Transferring stock from Computershare

Postby jaxinvestor »

If you already have an account with Fidelity, it is very easy. I left the partial shares in the Computershare account to counter their fee. With partial shares, do not reinvest the dividends as their fees would suck up the account.

I get checks for .32 for the dividends on the partial shares but there are a few humorous moments each quarter when I open the envelope and tell my wife we are rich and then show her the checks. I will never close those accounts since the fees to close the account cost more than the worth of the account so I'll gladly let Computershare keep paying postage to send me the money. I consider it my way of recouping the fees I paid them to reinvest the dividends in the DRIP for 30 plus years.

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Freefun
Posts: 1184
Joined: Sun Jan 14, 2018 2:55 pm

Re: Transferring stock from Computershare

Postby Freefun »

I recently transferred a large stock position from computer share to Schwab. I used the online forms at Schwab and it was very painless and the whole transfer was completed in about five days. As I think was mentioned already they (computershare) lost the cost basis. So I recommend to keep track of it yourself.

Remember when you wanted what you currently have?

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wheat82
Posts: 10
Joined: Fri Jul 09, 2021 9:26 am

Re: Transferring stock from Computershare

Postby wheat82 »

I transferred stock from Computershare to Vanguard a few weeks ago. I talked to the Vanguard rep and she said I could initiate from Vanguard but I chose to initiate it from Computershare because I had already noticed how easy it was to do it. They said it would take up to 3 business days but I believe I initiated on a Friday and I could see it the next Monday. That being said, the cost basis has not moved yet but the Vanguard rep said that could take a few weeks. I think I have the option to tell Vanguard what the basis is from my records if for some reason that never moves over. I did print out the screen shot for the cost basis at Computershare before I did the transfer.

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Topic Author

kareemy
Posts: 5
Joined: Sun Nov 15, 2015 2:22 pm

Re: Transferring stock from Computershare

Postby kareemy »

Thanks for all the replies. I am just posting an update in case it can help anyone else. I started the transfer process online at Vanguard. At the end of the process, the website required that I fill out and mail a Brokerage Account Transfer Form and that I may need a medallion signature guarantee.

I decided to call Vanguard. The associate told me that I did not need to fill out any forms and he started the transfer process on his end. He told me the transfer would take 7-10 days and Vanguard would call me if they needed anything else. That was yesterday, so I'm waiting now and we'll see how it goes.

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16 posts• Page 1 of 1

Transferring stock from Computershare - Bogleheads.org (2024)

FAQs

Can I transfer my shares out of Computershare? ›

To transfer shares from Computershare please complete our ISA, Fund & Share or SIPP transfer form as well as a Computershare transfer form, which can all be found in our useful documents section. The transfer form will include details of any charges Computershare may levy for transferring away from their service.

How long does it take to transfer shares out of Computershare? ›

Computershare is able to process any request for a transfer of shares to direct ownership that includes the necessary information for the transfer to take place, and we usually complete the transaction the working day after the request comes through.

How much does Computershare charge to transfer stock? ›

A fee of $69 (incl GST) is required in respect of security validation checks that are carried out in relation to off-market transfers. The fee is payable by the securityholder where the issuer's constitution expressly permits this (and is otherwise payable by the issuer).

How do I transfer shares from Computershare to Schwab? ›

Three easy steps to transfer your accounts.
  1. Enter account information. All you need is the name of the firm holding your account(s) and your account number.
  2. Decide what to transfer. Choose whether you wish to transfer the entire account or only certain assets from the account.
  3. Authorize the transfer.

How much is Computershare withdrawal fee? ›

– If funds are automatically deducted from your checking or savings account, the transaction fee is $2.00 plus $0.06 per share* purchased. Funds will be withdrawn on the 25th of each month, or the preceding business day if the 25th is not a business day.

How do I transfer stock from Computershare to TD Ameritrade? ›

How do I transfer my account from another firm to TD Ameritrade? Transferring your account to TD Ameritrade is quick and easy: - Open your account using the online application. - Once your account is open, you can log in and go to My Account > Account Transfer or use the Mobile Website to transfer your account.

How long does a Computershare withdrawal take? ›

Computershare will wait up to three business days after the debit date of electronic funds transfer to ensure it receives good funds and will then seek to purchase shares from optional cash investments promptly, generally within five business days after the good funds are received, assuming the relevant markets are ...

How many days required to transfer the shares? ›

As per Section 56 of the Companies Act 2013, Company shall not register any transfer of securities, unless a proper instrument of transfer, duly stamped, dated, and executed by or on behalf of Transferor and Transferee is sent to the Board within 60 days of the execution of the instrument of the transferor, along with ...

What happens when I transfer my shares? ›

In case of transfer of shares to the same person, there will be no added tax liability. Note that the capital gain tax will be counted from the initial date of purchase of the stock. The transfer date will not affect it.

How do I cash out my ComputerShare stock? ›

From your portfolio, click on the holding you wish to sell by going to the “actions” drop- down menu on the right and click “Sell” and follow the online prompts. 2. Contact Computershare at 855-377-0510 and they can assist with selling your shares.

Is it free to transfer stocks? ›

Many brokers charge a fee when you transfer brokerage account assets. The typical fee ranges from about $50 to $100, but not every broker has an account transfer fee. The only way to know how much your old broker charges is to check its list of fees or contact customer service.

Who owns ComputerShare? ›

Computershare
TypePublic company
Founded1978
HeadquartersAbbotsford, Victoria , Australia
OwnerPublicly listed company
Number of employees14,000
4 more rows

Can I transfer stocks from Computershare to Robinhood? ›

You can transfer stocks, cash, and other eligible assets from your outside brokerages into Robinhood through ACATS. You can transfer all or part of an outside account. We only accept assets from individual cash, margin brokerage accounts, or external traditional or Roth IRAs.

Does Schwab charge a transfer out fee? ›

Schwab does not charge for account transfers. How do you transfer a brokerage account? Transferring a brokerage account to Schwab is as simple as opening the type of account that you plan to transfer.

Is transferring a brokerage account taxable? ›

Myth 1: Brokerage transfers require you to pay taxes.

If you do an in-kind transfer, meaning you move your stocks from one brokerage to another without buying or selling, you won't pay taxes because the transfer isn't considered a taxable event.

How do I close my Computershare account? ›

You can end your participation in CIP online at www.computershare.com/investor, via telephone or by mailing your request to Computershare. Your participation in CIP will also end if you sell or transfer all shares in your CIP account.

Does Computershare withhold taxes? ›

Backup withholding is a US withholding tax that is applied by Computershare on any dividends, or sales proceeds to US participants who have not certified their Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) through completing a Form W-9.

What is a fee withdrawal transfer fee? ›

Definition. A savings account withdrawal fee is a fee you pay if you make too many withdrawals or outgoing transfers per month or statement period.

How long does it take to sell shares through Computershare? ›

It is the trading day plus 2 business days before a sale settles. Following settlement, the (cheque is dispatched or) funds are forwarded to your nominated financial institution for processing.

How do I transfer shares to my broker account? ›

How to transfer stock between brokers
  1. Start the process by filling out a transfer initiation form with your new broker. ...
  2. Your new broker communicates with your old broker to set up the transfer.
  3. Your old broker must validate the transfer information, reject it, or amend it within three business days.
Feb 16, 2023

How do I transfer my stocks? ›

How To Transfer Stock Between Brokerage Accounts
  1. Choose a New Broker. ...
  2. Submit a Transfer Initiation Form. ...
  3. Wait for the Receiving Firm to Contact Your Current Broker. ...
  4. Work With Your New Broker to Make Sure it Accepts All Your Assets. ...
  5. Wait for the Transfer To Be Completed.
Jun 18, 2022

Why did I get a check from ComputerShare? ›

If the sales proceeds exceed applicable fees and tax withholdings, Computershare will mail a check in the amount of such excess to the Participant at the Participant's address of record.

Why is ComputerShare so slow? ›

The reason why Computershare seems a bit clunkier, and moves slow, is because it actually has to make changes on the company's books every time it handles a transaction. With a brokerage house, there is the Cede & Co. middleman acting at lightning speed to make you the beneficial owner of the stock.

How long after selling shares can you withdraw? ›

When you sell a stock, you have to wait two business days until the trade settlement date before you can withdraw your cash. You can, however, use the proceeds from a sale immediately if you are buying another security.

How much tax do you pay when transferring shares? ›

For the seller, the share sale triggers a capital gains tax (CGT) when shares are held on capital account. CGT is calculated on the difference between the sale price and the original price of the share when they were bought by the seller.

What is the stock 4 day rule? ›

According to FINRA rules, you're considered a pattern day trader if you execute four or more "day trades" within five business days—provided that the number of day trades represents more than 6 percent of your total trades in the margin account for that same five business day period.

How easy is it to transfer shares? ›

To transfer company shares, you must first complete and submit a stock transfer form. You will be required to submit the following information when completing the stock transfer form: Consideration money (How much is paid for the shares) Name of Security (e.g. 100 Ordinary Shares for YOUR COMPANY LIMITED)

Does transferring shares trigger tax? ›

When you transfer securities to a corporation where you are a shareholder, the transfer is generally considered a taxable transaction. You will need to report the capital gain on your income tax return. The ACB of the securities for the corporation is the fair market value of the assets on the date of the transfer.

What is the benefit of transferring shares? ›

By transferring shares directly, rather than selling them and buying them back again, you may avoid paying capital gains tax. Transferring shares between your own accounts doesn't count as disposing them for capital gains tax purposes – although if you transfer shares to someone else, it may do.

What is the difference between transfer and transfer of shares? ›

The transfer of shares is a voluntary act by the holder of shares and takes place by way of contract. Whereas, the transmission of shares takes place due to the operation of law that is on the death of the holder of shares or in an event where the holder becomes insolvent/lunatic.

How do I contact ComputerShare transfer agent? ›

To transfer book-entry or certificated shares, visit www.computershare.com or call 1-800-305-9404 for an instruction package.

Is ComputerShare insured? ›

At each member institution, all eligible deposits having both the same trustee and the same beneficiary are combined, and the total is insured to a maximum of $100,000.

How does ComputerShare make money? ›

How does ComputerShare make money? ComputerShare makes money through client relationships with publicly-traded companies, but their investor-based income is through a hefty fee schedule. This is surprising to many investors in the age of low and no-fee transactions through brokerages.

How do I transfer stocks without paying taxes? ›

9 Ways to Avoid Capital Gains Taxes on Stocks
  1. Invest for the Long Term. ...
  2. Contribute to Your Retirement Accounts. ...
  3. Pick Your Cost Basis. ...
  4. Lower Your Tax Bracket. ...
  5. Harvest Losses to Offset Gains. ...
  6. Move to a Tax-Friendly State. ...
  7. Donate Stock to Charity. ...
  8. Invest in an Opportunity Zone.
Apr 20, 2023

How do I avoid brokerage transfer fees? ›

Fortunately, transaction fees are easily avoided by selecting a broker that offers a list of no-transaction-fee mutual funds — most do. Many funds on this list will be from the broker itself, but other mutual fund companies often pay brokers to offer their funds to customers without a transaction cost.

What documents do I need to transfer stock? ›

The Stock Transfer Ledger

The name of the initial owner of the shares. The initial owner's address. The exact date when they became shareholder. The certificate number for their shares.

Can I sell through Computershare? ›

If you already have an Investor Centre account and want to sell your shares, simply 'login' and follow these three simple steps: Select the holding you wish to sell. Click 'Action' in the portfolio menu. Click 'sell'

Does Walmart use Computershare? ›

Yes, you can purchase Walmart stock through Computershare. To receive information about Computershare's direct stock purchase plan, which is not sponsored by Walmart, you can contact Computershare globally at 1-800-438-6278 or visit www.computershare.com/walmart.

Is Computershare owned by Wells Fargo? ›

Wells Fargo CTS is now Computershare Corporate Trust

As Computershare Corporate Trust, our team of more than 2000 employees continues our commitment to deliver high quality service to our entire client base. For more information, visit Computershare.com/corporatetrust.

Can you reinvest dividends on Computershare? ›

The Plan allows holders of the Company's Common Shares to automatically reinvest cash dividends paid on their Common Shares in additional Common Shares of the Company. The Plan also allows participants to make optional cash purchases of additional Common Shares and to sell Common Shares acquired under the Plan.

Why is Fidelity better than Robinhood? ›

Fidelity offers several advanced trading features that are absent from Robinhood's platform. You can trade OTC penny stocks and engage in short selling. Robinhood does not offer OTC penny stock trading or short selling.

Is Computershare a regulated investment company? ›

Computershare Investor Services PLC is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”). If you wish to use the Service it is your sole responsibility to inform yourself about and observe any applicable tax and legal requirements as they relate to you personally.

How do I transfer shares from Computershare to Charles Schwab? ›

Three easy steps to transfer your accounts.
  1. Enter account information. All you need is the name of the firm holding your account(s) and your account number.
  2. Decide what to transfer. Choose whether you wish to transfer the entire account or only certain assets from the account.
  3. Authorize the transfer.

Which is better Fidelity or Schwab? ›

Schwab and Fidelity offer similar customer experiences. As a result, most types of investors can find benefits to working with either. The choice between the two may prove a matter of preferred trading instruments: Schwab is better equipped for futures (and international) trading, and only Fidelity offers forex.

Which is better Schwab or Vanguard? ›

Charles Schwab offers all the investments you'd expect from a large broker, including equities, bonds, futures, Forex, options, and access to cryptocurrency (through Bitcoin futures and funds only). Vanguard's offerings are comparatively limited, but they should be adequate for most buy-and-hold investors.

What is the maximum money transfer without tax? ›

By law, banks report all cash transactions that exceed $10,000 — and any transaction of any amount that alerts their suspicions. Money transfer businesses, which often solely send money between countries, sometimes have reporting thresholds as low as $1,000.

Can I transfer my brokerage account without selling? ›

An in-kind or ACAT transfer allows you to transfer your investments between brokers as is, meaning you don't have to sell investments and transfer the cash proceeds — you can simply move your existing investments to the new broker.

Are brokerage accounts reported to IRS? ›

While your brokerage will send you a tax form that records your gains and losses, you're on the hook for properly reporting them to the IRS. And it's easy to forget to report them for accounts that you check infrequently.

How do I close Computershare? ›

You can end your participation in CIP online at www.computershare.com/investor, via telephone or by mailing your request to Computershare.

Can I transfer shares from one provider to another? ›

Usually you can choose to either sell your investments first and transfer uninvested cash or keep your investments and transfer them as they are. You should confirm your decision with your new provider, but your choice could be limited by the service that they offer, so it's good to check with them first.

Can I transfer my shares to another account? ›

You may take a day or two to determine which shares to transfer to the new demat account. The broker may apply some charges for this transfer. The amount may vary from one broker to another. However, if you close the demat account, the broker cannot charge any fees.

How long does it take to sell shares through ComputerShare? ›

It is the trading day plus 2 business days before a sale settles. Following settlement, the (cheque is dispatched or) funds are forwarded to your nominated financial institution for processing.

How much does it cost to transfer stocks from one broker to another? ›

The typical fee ranges from about $50 to $100, but not every broker has an account transfer fee. The only way to know how much your old broker charges is to check its list of fees or contact customer service. You may avoid this fee though, because your new broker may cover it.

How long do you get locked out of ComputerShare? ›

Upon validation you will be presented with your User ID on screen. What happens if I fail to login multiple times? As a security precaution, after 5 failed attempts your account will be locked. To unlock your account please call an investor services representative on 1300 850 505.

How long does ComputerShare lock you out? ›

After validating your User ID, if you are still unable to answer a security question and your account becomes locked, then you will need to wait 24 hours and try again. If you are still unable to login, please call us for assistance.

Can you transfer stock to another person without selling? ›

Stocks can be given to a recipient as a gift whereby the recipient benefits from any gains in the stock's price. Gifting stock from an existing brokerage account involves an electronic transfer of the shares to the recipients' brokerage account.

What happens when you transfer shares? ›

For being about to transfer shares, the shareholder would require the board members' approval and the approval of all the other shareholders in the company. Once this is done, the share transfer form is filled in, and the new share certificate is issued accordingly to the person getting the shares.

How long does it take to transfer stock from one account to another? ›

In total, the validation process and delivery process generally take about six days to complete. Transfers where the delivering entity is not a broker-dealer (for example, a bank, credit union or mutual fund) generally take more time.

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