Is this one possible way to have a net loss but still need to pay tax?

I have read articles that some guy have a net loss for the year but still need to pay the tax. I know this is due to the wash sale rule. However, the wash sale rule does not just discard your losses for good. It adds to your original cost basis. So basically if you realized some heavy losses eoy but buy back within 30 days, this loss can't be used to deduct against the gains. And if you have net gains besides this loss, you will need to pay tax on that gain. However, this loss is not lost, but instead is included in next year's loss if you do not wash sale next year. Am I correct?