Having to pay taxes on money lost?

Hi. This past tax season I had to pay about $300 in short team capital gains, even thought I lost money in the 2016 year. I was under the impression that I could write off my losses and not have to pay money in taxes, but when I took this to my accountant, I ended up having to pay him 250 to do my taxes and 300 in short term capital gains. Does anyone have any experience with this and did I get screwed over? Poor college kid just trying to make his way in this tough world and needs an explanation. Thank u

Submitted May 12, 2017 at 06:33PM by davidjeffries10 http://ift.tt/2pHgv53