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.
Wealthy Should Prepare for Audits by Keeping Organized Records
Wealthy Should Prepare for Audits by Keeping Organized Records Expensive art collections, investment hobbies and offshore bank accounts may raise red flags when it comes to IRS audits. In 2011, the Internal Revenue Service audited 29.93% of taxpayers who reported more than $10 million of annual income [1]. This percentage increased by 18.38% from 2010.…
What Separates Ultra Rich From Everyone Else?
What Separates Ultra Rich From Everyone Else? By Alan Olsen There’s an old cliché in the sporting world that many coaches have used in an effort to help lift their teams when they face what appear to be insurmountable odds. The saying goes: “They put their pants on one leg at time,” or something very…
“Madoff” or “Ponzi-Type” Tax Losses
“Madoff” or “Ponzi-Type” Tax Losses Update: 12/9/09 Wall Street Journal Article: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124623441944466541.html In addition to other good information about the type and amount of refunds people are obtaining it says in the last paragraph: “On Monday, Sen. Charles Schumer (D., N.Y.) proposed a bill that seeks to further expand the carry-back period up to six…
Military Family Tax Relief Act of 2003
Military Family Tax Relief Act of 2003 On Nov. 11, 2003, President Bush signed into law the Military Family Tax Relief Act of 2003. Among its provisions are these tax breaks related to military personnel: Death benefits The death gratuity paid to survivors of deceased Armed Forces members rises to $12,000 and is not taxable…