March 19, 2025

New Python Script for Downloading E*TRADE Documents

Automating the download of Stock Plan Confirmations from E*TRADE

We're pleased to announce the release of a new Python script that automates the process of downloading Stock Plan Confirmation documents from E*TRADE. This tool is designed to make tax filing easier for Spotify employees and other E*TRADE users who need to download multiple confirmation PDFs.

What's the Problem?

For many E*TRADE users, downloading Stock Plan Confirmation documents is a time-consuming and error-prone process. Users often need to:

Try to use browser extensions to download the files, with mixed success
Manually download each confirmation PDF individually
Handle dozens or even hundreds of documents
Ensure no documents are missed
Try to find the right file with E*TRADE's file naming (e.g. "getExerciseConfirmation.pdf" and hundreds of other files with the same name apart from a suffix number)
Repeat the process for different years and plan types

Demo Video

Watch me download 125 E*TRADE documents painlessly.

Watch in real time on Loom

Soundtrack: Skatteguru - Take Away My Pain

Our Solution

We've created a Python script that automates this entire process. The script:

Downloads ALL relevant Stock Plan Confirmation PDFs for all relevant years in one simple operation
Handles both Restricted Stock and Stock Options confirmations in a single operation
Names files logically with clear dates and plan types
Provides clear feedback throughout the process

Important Notes

E*TRADE may update their website, which could affect the script's functionality at any time.
The script does not download Trade Confirmation documents. You need to download these manually - but at least E*TRADE supports bulk downloads of these year by year, making it a bit easier. (Pull-requests welcome if you can figure out how to download the Trade Confirmations in the same operation!)

Where To Get The Script

For detailed instructions and the script itself, visit our GitHub repository.

I Just Want To Listen To The Song Again

We understand. It's catchy.

What's the Problem?

For many E*TRADE users, downloading Stock Plan Confirmation documents is a time-consuming and error-prone process. Users often need to:

Try to use browser extensions to download the files, with mixed success

Manually download each confirmation PDF individually

Handle dozens or even hundreds of documents

Ensure no documents are missed

Try to find the right file with E*TRADE's file naming (e.g. "getExerciseConfirmation.pdf" and hundreds of other files with the same name apart from a suffix number)

Repeat the process for different years and plan types

Our Solution

We've created a Python script that automates this entire process. The script:

Downloads ALL relevant Stock Plan Confirmation PDFs for all relevant years in one simple operation

Handles both Restricted Stock and Stock Options confirmations in a single operation

Names files logically with clear dates and plan types

Provides clear feedback throughout the process

Important Notes

E*TRADE may update their website, which could affect the script's functionality at any time.

The script does not download Trade Confirmation documents. You need to download these manually - but at least E*TRADE supports bulk downloads of these year by year, making it a bit easier. (Pull-requests welcome if you can figure out how to download the Trade Confirmations in the same operation!)