NIIT

Strong portfolio performance can bring an unwelcome surprise: an additional 3.8% federal tax. The income thresholds for the net investment income tax (NIIT) aren’t annually adjusted for inflation and haven’t changed since the tax took effect in 2013. So the NIIT is hitting more taxpayers. If your income is near or above the applicable threshold, year-end planning may help reduce its impact. When you’ll owe the NIIT The NIIT applies to some or all net investment income once

Are you thinking about making financial gifts to loved ones? Would you also like to reduce your capital gains tax? If so, consider giving appreciated stock instead of cash. You might be able to eliminate all federal tax liability on the appreciation — or at least significantly reduce it. Leveraging lower rates Investors generally are subject to a 15% tax rate on their long-term capital gains (20% if their income exceeds certain thresholds). But the long-term capital gains rate

Saving taxes probably isn’t your primary reason for supporting your favorite charities. But tax deductions can be a valuable added benefit. If you donate long-term appreciated stock, you potentially can save even more. Not just a deduction Appreciated publicly traded stock you’ve held more than one year is long-term capital gains property. If you donate it to a qualified charity, you may be able to enjoy two tax benefits. First, if you itemize deductions, you can claim a charitable