Investment Taxes

Capital gains are profits made from the sale of real estate, investments and personal property. Get the latest capital gains tax rates and investment tax advice.

Tax Basics

Do I have to file taxes?

If your income hits a specified level, you’re required to file a tax return.

5 min read

Gross vs. net income

Knowing the difference between gross and net income can help you better manage your financial situation.

3 min read

What is gross income?

Gross income is used to determine how much you have to pay toward federal and state income taxes.

3 min read

Short-term capital gains tax rates

Paying attention to short-term capital gains tax rates can help you save money in the long run.

3 min read

Latest Articles

Tax planning for IRA withdrawals

Since you turned age 59½ you could have taken all the money out of your IRA without paying a penalty.

2 min read Aug 17, 2010
IRA withdrawals for college, home purchase

The IRS lets you access IRA funds penalty free to defray college costs and to purchase a home.

1 min read Aug 10, 2010
6 midyear tax moves to make

If you wait until the end of the year to think about taxes, you could miss out on some tax breaks.

5 min read Jul 07, 2010
4 ways to spy on your CPA

What do you know about the guy keeping your books? Here’s how to get the lowdown on your CPA.

3 min read May 27, 2010
Working abroad and investing in a Roth IRA

A U.S. citizen in Thailand wonders what is impeding his eligibility to contribute to a Roth IRA.

2 min read Apr 08, 2010
How Americans will spend their tax refund

Bankrate’s exclusive poll reveals that 84 percent of Americans plan to spend their tax refund wisely.

4 min read Apr 05, 2010
5 tax breaks for the recession

If you’ve lost or reduced your income in these hard times, there could be a tax silver lining.

4 min read Mar 30, 2010
Down market could produce tax surprises

Even when mutual funds have dropped in value, shareholders could pay capital gains taxes.

6 min read Mar 10, 2010
Plan for taxes due on a Roth IRA conversion

Before converting your traditional IRA to a Roth account, ask yourself these key questions.

5 min read Mar 05, 2010
2009-10 retirement plan contribution limits

Keeping up with IRS rules on retirement plan contribution limits is easier with this chart.

1 min read Jan 05, 2010
10 astute tax moves in 2010

Start saving today on next year’s taxes with these simple strategies for lowering your IRS bill.

5 min read Dec 29, 2009
Tax due on jointly held savings bonds?

When mom has died, how will interest on savings bonds held jointly with her daughter be taxed?

2 min read Oct 15, 2009
Deferring interest on savings bonds

There are several ways for taxpayers to report the interest earned on savings bonds.

2 min read Oct 08, 2009
‘Goofy’ change coming to Roth IRA

A 2010 Roth IRA rule change will help investors, even if the logic behind it is a little ‘goofy.’

1 min read Sep 29, 2009
Rollover funds won’t get new tax break

Transferring retirement funds into a traditional IRA rollover will not net a new tax break.

1 min read Sep 21, 2009
IRA penalty has multiple exceptions

The IRS makes it clear that taxpayers can withdraw IRA money early for more than one purpose.

1 min read Jul 28, 2009
Figuring losses on rental property

The cap on rental losses is meant to limit the number of deductions one person can take.

2 min read Mar 24, 2009
Foreigners and withholding tax

Withholding tax is due on stock dividends of U.S. companies even if you aren’t a U.S. citizen.

1 min read Jan 26, 2009
Rolling into a Roth

If a traditional IRA contains some after-tax contributions, it can still be converted to a Roth.

1 min read Oct 06, 2008
Inherited IRA withdrawals

The beneficiary of an inherited IRA can withdraw without the 10-percent penalty.

2 min read Sep 18, 2008