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Stock Fundamentals: Lesson 8
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Taxes & Strategy

Taxes & The Long Game

Uncle Sam wants his cut. Here is how to pay him less legally.

1. Capital Gains Tax

When you sell for a profit, you owe taxes. The amount depends entirely on Time.

Short-Term

Duration

< 1 Year

Tax Rate
High (Same as Salary)
10% - 37%

If you trade frequently, you pay the highest taxes.

Long-Term

Duration

1 Year +

Tax Rate
Discounted Rate
0%, 15%, or 20%

Holding for 366 days can save you thousands.

2. The Winning Strategy

90% of active traders fail to beat the market. The boring strategy wins.

Active Trading

  • High Stress & Taxes
  • High Fees
  • Usually Loses to S&P 500

Buy & Hold

  • Set it and forget it
  • Lowest Taxes
  • Historically ~10% Annual Return

"Time in the market beats timing the market."