No Free Lunch – But Maybe a Free Capital Gain?

fThe financial and investment profession is full of acronyms, jargon, and common phrases such as “buy low – sell high” and is “there’s no free lunch when it comes to investing”.  Believe it or not, some things are free in personal finance (and our role is to help you find them) such as the 0% capital gain rate for many taxpayers.  Yes…..0%....and hopefully we don’t have to argue that that is a good rate! 

Single taxpayers with taxable incomes of less than $34,500 and married couples filing jointly with taxable incomes below $69,000 are considered to be in the 10% or 15% marginal bracket.  One of the luxuries of being in the 10% or 15% marginal tax brackets is a 0% capital gain rate through the end of 2012. Those in marginal brackets higher than the 10% and 15% currently are subject to a 15% capital gain rate.   

Here are a few examples of who might benefit from such a rate: 

• Those holding appreciated securities that have been hesitant to sell because of the tax implications.
• Those interested in selling an appreciated security in order to reset the cost basis. (Don’t forget to avoid the wash sale rules)
• Those in higher tax brackets looking to make gifts to relatives that are in lower brackets (say a child that has moved back into their high school bedroom). 

Example:   John and Mary’s son Steven recently graduate and is finding full time employment illusive.  John and Mary expect to help Steven out with expenses for the near future.  John and Mary are in the 28% marginal bracket and Steven (with little income) is in the 10% marginal bracket.  John and Mary can gift Steven appreciated securities….Steven can then sell them and take advantage of the 0% capital gain rate. 

As always, work with your professional advisors before implementing any tax strategies….and possibly enjoy a free lunch thanks to a free capital gain.

Note: Changes in tax laws may occur at any time and could have a substantial impact upon each person’s situation.  While we are familiar with the tax provisions of the issues presented herein, as Financial Advisors of RJFS, we are not qualified to render advice on tax or legal matters.  You should discuss tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional.