Special Capital Gains Treatment in 2008 for Some Tax Payers

May 5th, 2008 at 07:40am Dick Bennett

 Richard A. Bennett,  CFP^®, CFSC, AIF^®

Now that we have put the 2007 income tax year behind us, we need to start planning for 2008.  In 2008, there is likely (unless the lawmakers change the legislation) to be an attractive tax break for individuals in the 10% or 15% tax brackets.  That break involves the tax rate for capital gains dropping from 5% to 0% for the tax years 2008, 2009 and 2010 for people in those brackets.  Thus, retired individuals or others who do not have income levels may be able to sell appreciated securities and pay 0 taxes on some capital gains.  This break may allow individuals to diversify there portfolio or generate extra cash for special needs.  A good article which discusses the tax break can be found http://www.nysscpa.org/cpajournal/2006/1206/essentials/p40.htm.

Entry Filed under: Tax