Home About Us Services Clients & Industries Resources Careers Contact Us Act Now to Save 2019 Taxes on Your Investments October 25, 2019 Do you have investments outside of tax-advantaged retirement plans? If so, you might still have time to reduce your 2019 tax bill by selling some investments — you just need to carefully select which investments you sell. Balance Gains and Losses If you’ve sold investments at a gain this year, consider selling some losing investments to absorb the gains. This is commonly referred to as “harvesting” losses. If, however, you’ve sold investments at a loss this year, consider selling other investments in your portfolio that have appreciated, to the extent the gains will be absorbed by the losses. If you believe those appreciated investments have peaked in value, you’ll essentially lock in the peak value and avoid tax on your gains. Review Tax Rates At the federal level, long-term capital gains (on investments held more than one year) are taxed at lower rates than short-term capital gains (on investments held one year or less). The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) retained the 0%, 15% and 20% rates on long-term capital gains. But, through 2025, these rates have their own brackets, instead of aligning with various ordinary-income brackets. For example, for 2019, the thresholds for the top long-term gains rate are $434,551 for singles, $461,701 for heads of households and $488,851 for married couples. But the top ordinary-income rate of 37%, which also applies to short-term capital gains, doesn’t go into effect for 2019 until taxable income exceeds $510,300 for singles and heads of households or $612,350 for joint filers. The TCJA also retained the 3.8% net investment income tax (NIIT) and its $200,000 and $250,000 thresholds. Check the Netting Rules Before selling investments, consider the netting rules for gains and losses, which depend on whether gains and losses are long term or short term. To determine your net gain or loss for the year, long-term capital losses offset long-term capital gains before they offset short-term capital gains. In the same way, short-term capital losses offset short-term capital gains before they offset long-term capital gains. You may use up to $3,000 of total capital losses in excess of total capital gains as a deduction against ordinary income in computing your adjusted gross income. Any remaining net losses are carried forward to future years. Consider Everything Keep in mind that tax considerations alone shouldn’t drive your investment decisions. Also consider factors such as your risk tolerance, investment goals and the long-term potential of the investment. We can help you determine what makes sense for you. Copyright © 2019 Share via: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Print More About Us Serving St. Louis, the Metro-East and Southwestern Illinois since 1924. Knowledge Center Biden Administration’s Tax Blueprint June 18, 2021 - 3:35 pm Appreciating the Helpful Balance of Bonds May 3, 2021 - 2:56 pm 3 Things to Know After Filing Your Tax Return May 3, 2021 - 2:56 pm Quick Links Services Clients & Industries Our Team Scheffel Boyle News Careers Contact Us Alton, IL: 618.465.4288 Edwardsville, IL: 618.656.1206 Belleville, IL: 618.277.8100 Highland, IL: 618.654.9895 Jerseyville, IL: 618.498.6841 Columbia, IL: 618.281.7605 Carrollton, IL: 217.942.3821 © Copyright 2021 Scheffel Boyle — All rights reserved Site Map Privacy Policy