Investment Accounts & Tax
11 articles in Investment Accounts & Tax
3 min read
Tax-Efficient Asset Location: Right Assets, Right Accounts
Master asset location to boost after-tax returns by up to 0.75% annually. Learn where to place bonds, REITs, and growth stocks for maximum tax efficiency.
How Are Investments Taxed? A Beginner's Guide to Every Account Type
Learn how investments are taxed across every account type, from capital gains and dividends to IRAs and 401(k)s. Includes 2025-2026 rates and examples.
401(k) vs. IRA vs. HSA vs. 529: Tax-Advantaged Accounts Compared
Compare 401(k), IRA, HSA, and 529 plans side by side: contribution limits, tax treatment, withdrawal rules, and which to fund first in 2025-2026.
Taxes on Stocks: What You Owe When You Sell or Hold
Learn exactly what taxes you owe on stocks when you sell, hold, or collect dividends. Includes 2025-2026 rates, worked examples, and the wash sale rule.
How Dividends Are Taxed: Qualified vs. Ordinary Rates Explained
Learn how qualified and ordinary dividends are taxed at different rates, including 2025-2026 brackets, the 61-day holding rule, and reporting basics.
Capital Gains Tax on Gold: Rates and How to Reduce It
Gold is taxed at up to 28% as a collectible, not the standard 20%. Learn rates, the physical vs. ETF distinction, and 5 ways to reduce what you owe.
Capital Gains on a Second Home: What You'll Owe When You Sell
Selling a second home? The $250K/$500K exclusion doesn't apply. Learn what you'll owe in capital gains, NIIT, and depreciation recapture tax.
Capital Gains Tax Changes: What's New and What Lawmakers Are Debating
Capital gains tax policy is shifting fast. See what changed in 2025-2026 at the federal and state level, including new bans, surcharges, and TCJA updates.
Home Sale Tax Exclusion: How to Sell Your Primary Residence Tax-Free
Sell your primary home and exclude up to $250K ($500K married) from capital gains tax. Learn the ownership test, use test, and partial exclusion rules.
When Do You Actually Pay Capital Gains Tax? Timing and Deadlines
You don't pay capital gains tax immediately when you sell. Learn exactly when it's due, how estimated payments work, and how to avoid the underpayment penalty.
Do You Pay Capital Gains Tax in a Roth IRA? Not Usually. Here's Why.
Capital gains in a Roth IRA are usually tax-free. Learn the rules, exceptions, and one rare scenario where you could owe taxes inside a Roth.