Things to Consider for Your 2015 Capital Gains Tax
There are all kinds of investors in the world. Some are looking to make a quick buck by buying and then quickly selling stocks as soon as they increase in value. Other investors buy stocks with an eye toward the future, which means they are in it for the long haul.
In any case, anyone who invests wants to be successful at it. It’s a great feeling to buy stock in a company and see that stock increase in value. However, at some point if you plan on selling that stock and cashing in or your gains, you will have to give a portion of those gains to the taxman. What percentage you will owe will depend on the size of your gain and how long you have owned the stock.
The government wants investors to hold onto their stocks longer. To encourage this they have a lower tax percentage on stocks held longer than a year. Whether you’re a quick turnaround trader or a long-term investor here’s what you should be aware of in 2015 for your capital gains taxes.
First, generally all you need to know to determine your capital gains is the difference between what you paid for the stock and how much you sold it for. When you know that amount then you can calculate the tax. Your tax rate will depend on which bracket you’re in. There are three that apply:
- If your ordinary income puts you in the 10-15 percent tax bracket, then your long-term capital gains rate is 0 percent.
- If your ordinary income falls in one of the 25, 28, 33, or 35 percent tax brackets then your long-term capital gains rate is 15 percent.
- If your ordinary income is in the 39.6% tax bracket, then your long-term capital gains rate is 20%.
There are a few other caveats to remember. For high-income earners, there is an additional 3.8 percent surtax on net investment income. Also, you only pay taxes on the net of your capital gains, which can make a big difference if you sell more than one stock in a year. If you want to learn more about capital gains taxes then please contact GROCO for more answers. Click here or call us at 1-877-CPA-2006.
Estate Tax Repeal or Revision?
Estate Tax Repeal or Revision? In 2010 the estate tax will be repealed and the gift tax rate will fall to 35%. However, this repeal is effective only for that year and the estate tax will be reinstated in some form the very next year (2011). The US Senate is considering options to reduce or…
Alternative Retirement Savings Plan: Tax Sheltered Annuity 403(b)
Alternative Retirement Savings Plan: Tax Sheltered Annuity 403(b) Tax-Sheltered Annuity (TSA), also known as a 403(b), is an alternative retirement savings plan. Not everyone can participate in this plan, and it is restricted to those who are employed by educational, cultural, or non-profit organizations such as religious groups (also known as 501 (c)(3) organizations). TAX-SHELTERED…
Updating Your Estate Plan
Updating Your Estate Plan It’s a good idea to update your estate plan every few years or after the occurrence of significant life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or adoption. Even if you haven’t experienced any of these events since you last updated your estate plan, there may have been…
Where Should You Keep Your Will?
Where Should You Keep Your Will? Planning your estate takes a considerable amount of time and effort. First, you must inventory what you own and decide how to divide your assets among your loved ones. Then you meet with your advisers—attorney, accountant, trust officer, insurance agent—to formalize your plans. Because you are conscientious, you review…