Comprehensive Financial Solutions, Inc.

440-343-4223

Investment Read Time: 3 min

A Taxing Story: Capital Gains and Losses

Chris Rock once remarked, “You don’t pay taxes – they take taxes.” That applies not only to income but also to capital gains.

Capital gains result when an individual sells an investment for an amount greater than their purchase price. Capital gains are categorized as short-term gains (a gain realized on an asset held one year or less) or as long-term gains (a gain realized on an asset held longer than one year).

Keep in mind that the information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation.

Long-Term vs. Short-Term Gains

Short-term capital gains are taxed at ordinary income tax rates. Long-term capital gains are taxed according to different ranges (shown below).1


Long Term Capital Gains Tax Brackets (for 2023)

Tax Bracket/RateSingleMarried Filing JointlyHead of Household
0%$0 - $44,625$0 - $89,250$0 - $59,750
 15%$44,626 - $492,300$89,251- $553,850$59,751 - $523,050
20%$492,300+$553,850+$523,0500+


It should also be noted that taxpayers whose adjusted gross income is in excess of $200,000 (single filers or heads of household) or $250,000 (joint filers) may be subject to an additional 3.8% tax as a net investment income tax.2

Also, keep in mind that the long-term capital gains rate for collectibles and precious metals remains at a maximum of 28%.3

Rules for Capital Losses

Capital losses may be used to offset capital gains. If the losses exceed the gains, up to $3,000 of those losses may be used to offset the taxes on other kinds of income. Should you have more than $3,000 in such capital losses, you may be able to carry the losses forward. You can continue to carry forward these losses until such time that future realized gains exhaust them. Under current law, the ability to carry these losses forward is lost only on death.4

Finally, for some assets, the calculation of a capital gain or loss may not be as simple and straightforward as it sounds. As with any matter dealing with taxes, individuals are encouraged to seek the counsel of a tax professional before making any tax-related decisions.

1. Investopedia.com, July 19, 2022
2. IRS.gov, 2023
3. Investopedia.com, May 4, 2022
4. Investopedia.com, February 24, 2023

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright FMG Suite.

 

Related Content

Inflation and the Real Rate of Return

Inflation and the Real Rate of Return

Learn about the role of inflation when considering your portfolio’s rate of return with this helpful article.

Problems with Probate

Problems with Probate

Probate can be a completely public process, or it can be managed to include as little information as possible.

Forecast

Forecast

The market is as unpredictable as the weather. We'd love to help you prepare.

 

Have A Question About This Topic?







Thank you! Oops!

Insuring Your Business Against Cyber Liability

90% of small businesses in the U.S. don't protect their data from cyber attacks. Is your business at risk?

Do Your Kids Know The Value of a Silver Spoon?

You taught them how to read and how to ride a bike, but have you taught your children how to manage money?

Problems with Probate

Probate can be a completely public process, or it can be managed to include as little information as possible.

View all articles

Historical Inflation

This calculator shows how inflation over the years has impacted purchasing power.

Federal Income Tax

Use this calculator to estimate your income tax liability along with average and marginal tax rates.

What's My Potential Estate Tax?

This calculator helps estimate your federal estate tax liability.

View all calculators

Long-Term-Care Protection Strategies

The chances of needing long-term care, its cost, and strategies for covering that cost.

Your Cash Flow Statement

A presentation about managing money: using it, saving it, and even getting credit.

Managing Your Lifestyle

Using smart management to get more of what you want and free up assets to invest.

View all presentations

Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?

There are thousands of ETFs available. Should you invest in them?

Inflation and Your Portfolio

Even low inflation rates can pose a threat to investment returns.

Emerging Market Opportunities

What are your options for investing in emerging markets?

View all videos