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1.
If you sell a stock six months after buying it and you realize a profit on it, your gain will be taxed at _______.
Choose wisely. There is only one correct answer.
The ordinary income rate. This is a short-term gain and is therefore taxed at the ordinary income rate, which is higher than the tax rate on long-term gains.
2.
All other things being equal, which would you rather own in a taxable account?
Choose wisely. There is only one correct answer.
The stock of a solid business that grows steadily over time but pays no dividend. You would prefer to own in a taxable account the stock in a solid business that grows steadily over time, but pays no dividend. This would allow you to hold the stock for a long time, deferring the realization of capital gains. Dividends would be taxable.
3.
What does "stepped-up basis" mean?
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An investment's basis changes to that of the market value on the day of your death. Stepped-up basis is most commonly known in estate planning, where if you die, the basis will step up to that of the day of your death. Whoever inherits the stock will thus enjoy less tax on it.
4.
If you should have both large capital gains and large capital losses, what would be the most effective way to reduce taxes on the gains?
Choose wisely. There is only one correct answer.
Realize both the gain and the loss in the same year. If you did this, the losses would offset the gains. If you did either of the other two approaches, you would either be stuck with a tax bill or you might have to stretch out your losses over many years.
5.
When does your five-taxable-year period for Roth IRAs start?
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On Jan. 1 of the tax year when you make your first contribution or conversion to a Roth IRA.