Trading Taxes
Capital gains, wash sales, tax-loss harvesting, and tax strategies for traders
18 articles in this category
Short-Term Capital Gains Tax: Rates, Rules & How to Minimize
Short-term capital gains are taxed as ordinary income — often the highest rate you pay. Learn the rates, rules, and strategies to reduce your tax bill.
Long-Term Capital Gains Tax: Rates, Brackets & Planning
Long-term capital gains enjoy lower tax rates than short-term gains. Learn the brackets, how to qualify, and tax planning strategies to keep more profit.
Tax-Loss Harvesting: Turn Losing Trades Into Tax Savings
Tax-loss harvesting lets you use investment losses to offset gains and reduce your tax bill. Learn the rules, watch for wash sales, and save money.
Wash Sale Rule: What It Is & How to Avoid It
The wash sale rule prevents you from claiming a tax loss if you rebuy the same stock within 30 days. Learn exactly how it works and how to avoid it.
How Are Stocks Taxed? Complete Guide to Stock Market Taxes
From capital gains to dividends to wash sales, stock taxes can be confusing. This complete guide explains how stocks are taxed and how to save money.
Day Trading Taxes: How Active Traders Get Taxed Differently
Day traders face unique tax challenges including high short-term rates and wash sale traps. Learn how active traders are taxed and how to optimize.
Long-Term vs Short-Term Capital Gains: Tax Rate Comparison
The difference between long-term and short-term capital gains rates can be huge. See a side-by-side comparison and learn when holding longer saves you money.
Dividend Tax Rates: Qualified vs Ordinary & How to Save
Not all dividends are taxed the same. Learn the difference between qualified and ordinary dividends, the tax rates for each, and how to keep more income.
How Are Options Taxed? Tax Treatment for Every Strategy
Options tax rules are complex and vary by strategy. Learn the tax treatment for calls, puts, spreads, exercises, expirations, and assignments.
Trader Tax Status & Mark-to-Market: Tax Benefits for Active Traders
Trader tax status and mark-to-market accounting offer significant tax advantages for active traders. Learn the qualification criteria and how to elect.
Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT): What Investors Need to Know
The AMT can catch investors off guard, especially with incentive stock options. Learn how it works, who is at risk, and strategies to minimize exposure.
How Are Dividends Taxed? Qualified vs Ordinary Rates
Qualified dividends get favorable tax rates. Ordinary dividends are taxed as regular income. Know the difference.
Cost Basis Explained: How It Affects Your Tax Bill
Your cost basis determines how much tax you owe when you sell. Different accounting methods can save you real money.
Unrealized vs Realized Gains: When Do You Owe Taxes?
Paper profits don't owe taxes. Only when you sell and realize the gain does the IRS care. Here's how it works.
Crypto Taxes: How Digital Assets Are Taxed for Traders
The IRS taxes crypto as property. Every trade is taxable — even swapping one crypto for another. Here are the rules.
Estimated Tax Payments for Traders: Quarterly Deadlines & Calculations
Active traders must pay estimated taxes quarterly. Learn the deadlines, how to calculate payments, and how to avoid penalties.
Tax Brackets for Traders: How Trading Income Is Taxed
Short-term gains are taxed as ordinary income. Long-term gains get lower rates. Learn how brackets apply to trading profits.
State Taxes on Trading: Which States Are Best for Active Traders
Some states tax trading gains heavily, others have no income tax. Learn which states are best for active traders.