Jake Tuff 
There are certain tax implications associated with investing. Dividends, long-term capital gains, and exchanging a losing investment for a similar, but not “substantially identical” investment are just a few of the things to know. These taxes, however, are often confusing to both individuals and professionals. This article can help you learn more about them.
Long-term capital gains
Long-term capital gains are profits generated from the sale of an investment held for more than a year. The tax rates for these types of gains are lower than short-term gains. However, long-term gains may have to pay higher rates if the asset is sold at a higher price.
Taxpayers can offset the taxes they’ll pay on long-term gains with the use of losses. If you lose money on an investment, you can write off the full value of the investment in the tax year of loss. Losses can also be used to reduce other taxable income.
Selling an asset is only considered a taxable event if it triggers a particular taxable event. This event is often reported by a state or federal government. Some taxable events include the purchase or sale of a property, a qualified dividend, a capital gain, or a taxable event that results in a net loss.
The IRS allows taxpayers to match gains and losses. In the case of a sale, net capital gains are calculated as the amount of a capital asset that has increased in value since the acquisition date.
Dividends
As an individual investor, you may want to consider the benefits of dividend taxes. Dividends can help you to pay less income tax, increase your share appreciation, and increase your overall returns. However, high dividend taxes can freeze your capital, hurt your business, and bring down the overall economy.
Most investors who hold stocks in tax-deferred accounts don’t have to worry about paying dividend taxes. However, this is only true if you hold the stock for at least 61 days before the next dividend is due.
Currently, qualified dividends are subject to a 20% maximum tax rate. The tax rate depends on your income level and the type of investment.
When calculating your tax, you should remember that your long-term capital gains are usually taxed at lower rates than your ordinary dividends. You should also take into consideration any special tax treatment that your dividends may qualify for. If your net capital gains are over a certain amount, you could face a 25 percent tax rate.
Exchanging losing investments for similar but not “substantially identical” investments
When deciding whether to buy or sell an investment, the IRS has a few rules to keep in mind. One of those rules is called the “wash sale.” This rule prevents investors from taking a tax write-off for buying a security within 30 days of selling one. However, you can still claim a loss on the sale of an investment.
The first part is identifying the security you are trying to buy or sell. If you are selling a stock, then you should check its price graph to make sure it’s not a wash. You also want to compare its prospective returns. A good indicator is its correlation to a similar investment.
A second part is keeping tabs on your asset allocations after the sale. Some people buy a similar security after selling their original investment. Others try to “double up” by buying more shares. Both options come with their own set of risks.
The first is the simplest. It’s a good idea to take the time to understand the rules.
Filing your taxes
Owning investments can be a good way to grow your wealth. However, taxes can be a problem. If you are unsure of what you can claim on your taxes, it is a good idea to get a tax professional involved. They can explain how you can qualify for deductions and credits.
Some types of investments can be tax-deferred. For example, dividends from stocks and bonds are generally not taxable until you receive them. You can also use tax-loss harvesting to reduce your capital gains.
Taxes on investment income vary depending on the type of investment and the amount of time you have owned it. Interest earned on bonds can also be taxed.
If you own real estate, you may need to keep track of rental expenses. This can be a difficult task because it is not often included in a broker’s tax statement. It may even be necessary to get receipts from independent contractors.
If you are earning a large sum of money, you may need to hire an accountant. Your tax professional can make suggestions regarding the best investments for your situation. He or she can also explain how you can bunch your income for a tax credit.
