If you have those stocks in a brokerage account, dividends and stock market gains are likely to be taxed. The capital gains tax rate depends on how long you've owned the stock and your income level. Qualified dividends are taxed at a favorable rate. Remember, you pay taxes only if you make money. I love tax-saving strategies more than anyone, but I would instead make money and pay some of that in taxes versus making no money and paying no tax. Also, if you want to avoid paying taxes, consider opening tax-advantaged accounts such as a Roth IRA or Traditional IRA account at any of the listed brokerage firms. It would help if you also considered investing in stocks in your regular 401(k) at work as part of your retirement savings strategy. It is possible to retire early by only investing in a 401(k) retirement account.