Tax-loss harvesting: What it is and how it works

Core Concept - Tax-loss harvesting is a strategy used to offset capital gains with capital losses to reduce tax liability Group 1: Tax-loss Harvesting Overview - Tax-loss harvesting involves selling investments at a loss to offset gains for tax benefits [1] - Realized losses can be used to lower taxable income, particularly beneficial for those with significant capital gains [3] Group 2: Mechanics of Tax-loss Harvesting - The realized loss is determined by the asset's cost basis and selling price, which can be illustrated through examples [2] - Short-term and long-term capital gains and losses are treated differently for tax purposes, impacting the overall tax rate [4][9] Group 3: Tax-loss Harvesting Rules - Tax-loss harvesting is applicable only to taxable accounts, such as brokerage accounts, and not to tax-advantaged accounts like 401(k)s or IRAs [7] - Taxpayers can deduct up to $3,000 of net capital losses from taxable income, with any excess losses carrying over to future years [10][15] Group 4: Wash-sale Rule - The wash-sale rule prohibits claiming a tax deduction for a loss if the same or a similar investment is repurchased within 30 days [12][16] - Losses from wash sales are added to the investment's cost basis, affecting future tax calculations [13] Group 5: Tax-loss Harvesting Benefits - Tax-loss harvesting can provide significant tax benefits, especially for short-term gains taxed at higher rates [14] - It is advisable to consult with financial and tax advisors to determine the suitability of this strategy for individual circumstances [14]