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Capital Gains Taxes
What is Capital Gains Tax?
Capital gains tax is a tax on profits from the sale of an asset, such as a stock, bond, or real estate. The tax is levied on the difference between the purchase price of the asset and the sales price.
Long-Term vs. Short-Term Capital Gains
Long-term capital gains are taxed at lower rates than ordinary income, while short-term capital gains are taxed as ordinary income. The holding period for long-term capital gains is one year or more.
History of Capital Gains Taxes
Capital gains taxes have been in place in the United States since 1913. The tax rates have changed over time, but the basic structure of the tax has remained the same.
How are Capital Gains Taxes Calculated?
The amount of capital gains tax you owe is calculated based on the following factors:
- The amount of your capital gain
- Your tax filing status
- The tax bracket you are in
Capital Gains Tax Exclusions
There are some exceptions to the capital gains tax. These include:
- Gains on the sale of your personal residence
- Gains on the sale of certain retirement accounts
Capital Gains Tax Tips
There are a number of things you can do to reduce your capital gains tax liability, including:
- Holding your assets for more than one year
- Donating your appreciated assets to charity
- Using a tax-loss harvesting strategy
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