ACT NOW TO SAVE 2019 TAXES ON YOUR INVESTMENTS

Do you have investments outside of tax-advantaged retirement plan? 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 of 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 long-term capital gains.

You may use up to $3,000 of total capital losses in excess of income in computing your adjusted gross income.  Any remaining net losses are carried forward to future years.

CONSIDER EVERYTHING

Keep in mind the 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.