How to Avoid Capital Gains Taxes

CAPITAL GAINS Taxes: DETERMINING YOUR TAX BASIS

 

For many of the nation’s high net worth individuals, much of their wealth comes from capital gains. Capital gains are better than income because they are taxed at a much lower percentage than other income. While capital gains taxes could be going down under the Trump administration, it still pays to know every trick in the book to avoid paying more taxes on them than you have to.

With that mind, let’s look at some of the important tips you should know in order to keep your capital gains taxes low. One smart move is to use a tax-advantaged retirement account when you invest. When you use a retirement account to invest, your money is allowed to grow tax-deferred, instead of paying a tax on the gains like a normal investment. Plus, if you use a Roth IRA, even your withdrawals are tax-free.

Additionally, the longer you hold your investments the less you will pay in taxes. If you hold an investment for a year or less then you will pay a percentage rate equal to your ordinary income. If you hold them longer than a year your rates decrease substantially.

Always look for opportunities to sell your underperforming stocks in order to offset the gains from your successful stocks. This will lower your tax bill. Lastly, keep track of your home improvements so when it comes time to sell your home you can use those expenses as deductions from any gains you make on the sale price of your home.

https://www.fool.com/retirement/2017/02/07/4-tips-for-avoiding-capital-gains-tax.aspx

Posted in ,

Business Employee Surveys

Business Employee Surveys By Patrick Gilbert, David Slavney, and David Tong Employee motivation is vital to business success. Increasingly, it distinguishes companies that thrive from those that fail to survive. A highly motivated workforce delivers superior products and services, and this in turn leads to greater customer satisfaction and improved sales performance. Given the implications…

Are These Traits Killing Your Leadership Ability?

Are These Traits Killing Your Leadership Ability?

Are These Traits Killing Your Leadership Ability? To be a good leader requires many attributes. Most good leaders possess the necessary skills to lead their teams and contribute to their companies’ success. However, no one is perfect. And even good leaders aren’t always “on.” Everyone has a bad day, or a bad moment, when they…

Passive Funds in U.S.Stock Market Have Nearly Equaled Active Funds

Passive Funds in U.S. Stock Market Have Nearly Equaled Active Funds

Passive Funds in U.S. Stock Market Have Nearly Equaled Active Funds What kind of an investor are you: passive or active? Chances are if you’ve been following the recent trend you find yourself on the passive side. But what does that mean exactly? It’s not so much the way in which you invest, but more…

Do You Know Enough About the Death Tax?

Do You Know Enough About the Death Tax?

Do You Know Enough About the Death Tax? No one really wants to think about his or her own death. But death is inevitable. And if you’re a high net worth individual then you really can’t afford to ignore the subject. That’s because if you’re not prepared when your time comes, your beneficiaries could be…