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 ,
cyber Criminals

How to Stop Cyber Criminals From Stealing Your Info

How to Stop Cyber Criminals From Stealing Your Info Tax season has come and gone, and we won’t have to worry about the next one for several months. But just because you’re taking a rest from taxes, it doesn’t mean potential cyber criminals are too. Cyber criminal activity is on the rise and these scammers…

Bill Gates

Gates Not Opposed to Wealth Tax Despite Implications

There has been much chatter lately regarding a wealth tax. At least two of the leading democratic presidential candidates have discussed it, even though most wealthy Americans would likely oppose this tax. After all, why should they be punished just because they make more money? But not all wealthy taxpayers oppose a wealth tax. In…

Positive Leadership Leads to Positive Behaviors

Positive Leadership Leads to Positive Behaviors

Positive leadership is of vital importance in any organization.   However, we often focus more on the negative than the positive behaviors of others. Have you ever noticed that giving a child negative reinforcement usually results in continued negative behavior? You may get the desired result in that moment, but inevitably the child returns to the…

Mike Kwatinetz, Founding Partner at Azure Capital

Mike Kwatinetz, Founding Partner at Azure Capital

Interview Transcript of Mike Kwatinetz, Founding Partner at Azure Capital: Alan Olsen: For the listeners, can you give background on your expertise and business? Mike Kwantinetz: I’m one of the weird people in the world. So I started off and have a PhD in mathematical modeling. And then I also have an MBA in finance…