Top Tax-Saving Moves Used By High Net Worth Individuals
One of the biggest complaints certain groups or individuals have against the wealthy is that they can take advantage of too many tax breaks and loopholes to lower their tax bill. So what are some of the top tax strategies that high net worth individuals use to keep their tax rates down, and could anyone else use them?
One of the top tricks used by the wealthy is that they make the most out of their investment income. Compared to the top income bracket that is taxed at a 39.6 percent rate, capital gain income on stocks held longer than a year is taxed at a top rate of 20 percent, which is almost half of the top income tax rate. The good news is that anyone can take advantage of this rule.
Another tax strategy used by the wealthy is to use their retirement plan accounts to invest in high-growth start-ups before they hit it big. This can pay huge dividends because, if you use a Roth IRA for example, any gains you make from your initial investment are tax-free.
High net worth individuals also avoid getting paid in cash as much as possible. One example is taking stock options instead of huge salaries. A person who does this doesn’t have to report these stock options as income right away. When they do exercise or sell them they will have to report them but any gains in stock value are taxed at the capital gains rate.
While not everyone makes enough to capitalize on these strategies, those who can and do are able to save considerable amounts of money in taxes. Contact GROCO to learn more.
Making the Most of Home Equity: Tips for Senior Citizens
Making the most of home equity For senior citizens living on fixed incomes, the need to replace a car or do substantial home repairs can disrupt finances. Major unplanned expenses caused by illness or disability can lead to financial disaster. Fortunately, many senior citizens are sitting on a major financial asset: the equity in their…
Keeping Your Health Insurance Premiums Low
Keeping Your Health Insurance Premiums Low Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) offer tax deductions for medical expenses, and the opportunity to set up an additional retirement account. But regardless of any other positive benefit of HSAs, lower premiums are the primary reason that thousands of Americans have chosen Health Savings Accounts as the best way to…
Identity Theft: Has your name been stolen?
Identity Theft: Has your name been stolen? Identity theft—the unauthorized use of an individual’s name or personal information to obtain money or credit—is the fastest-growing white-collar crime. Most probably, more than 700,000 Americans will be victims of it this year, with costs to them averaging over $800 and 175 hours of time spent trying to…
Q & A: IRAs for your Children
Q & A: IRAs for your Children Establishing a retirement plan for a child might, initially, sound a bit strange—or at least premature. Truly, it is not. Establishing an IRA for your children or grandchildren can help them achieve financial independence in retirement and, possibly, for the rest of their lives. That claim may raise…