by Boris Benic | Jul 13, 2016 | Blog
July 12, 2016
Investing in mutual funds is an easy way to diversify a portfolio, which is one reason why they’re commonly found in retirement plans such as IRAs and 401(k)s. But if you hold such funds in taxable accounts, or are considering such investments, beware of these three tax hazards: (more…)
by Boris Benic | May 17, 2016 | Blog
May 17, 2016
As the school year draws to a close and the days lengthen, you may be one of the many homeowners who are getting ready to put their home on the market. After all, in many locales, summer is the best time of year to sell a home. But it’s important to think not only about the potential profit (or loss) from a sale, but also about the tax consequences. (more…)
by Boris Benic | Feb 28, 2016 | Blog
March 1, 2016
When it comes to deducting charitable gifts, all donations are not created equal. As you file your 2015 return and plan your charitable giving for 2016, it’s important to keep in mind the available deduction: (more…)
by Boris Benic | Sep 8, 2015 | Blog
September 8, 2015
The tax treatment of investment income varies, and not just based on whether the income is in the form of dividends or interest. (more…)
by Boris Benic | May 4, 2015 | Blog
May 5, 2015
Incentive stock options allow you to buy company stock in the future at a fixed price equal to or greater than the stock’s fair market value on the grant date. If the stock appreciates, you can buy shares at a price below what they’re then trading for.
ISOs must comply with many rules but receive tax-favored treatment:
- You owe no tax when ISOs are granted.
- You owe no regular income tax when you exercise ISOs.
- If you sell the stock after holding the shares at least one year from the exercise date and two years from the grant date, you pay tax on the sale at your long-term capital gains rate. You also may owe the 3.8% net investment income tax.
- If you sell the stock before long-term capital gains treatment applies, a “disqualifying disposition” occurs and any gain is taxed as compensation at ordinary-income rates.
There also might be alternative minimum tax consequences in certain situations. If you’ve received ISOs, contact us. We can help you determine when to exercise them and whether to immediately sell shares received from an exercise or to hold them.
© 2015 Thomson Reuters/Tax & Accounting