Capital gains have lower tax rates and have the most amount of flexibility to be offset by losses. Here’s how it works and how you can use it to your advantage.

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What is a Capital Gain?

When you buy an asset and sell it for a profit, the gain from your investment is considered a capital gain and is subject to capital gains tax. The good news is that the IRS gives you the most amount of flexibility to offset capital gains tax.

Not all income is taxed the same.

• The worst type of income to have is your W-2 income (salary from a job). They have the worst tax rates with the least options to deduct taxes. • Profits from a business are taxed at a lower rate than W-2 income and business owners have more tax-saving strategies to reduce their income. • Capital gains have lower tax rates and have the most amount of flexibility to be offset by losses.

Income tax vs capital gains tax rates

2023 income tax rates • 10% on income up to $11,000 • 12% on income over 11,000 to $44,725 • 22% on income over $44,725 to 95,375 • 24% on income over $95,375 to $182,100 • 32% on income over $182,100 to $231,250 • 35% on income over $231,250 to $578,125 • 37% on income over $578,125

2023 long-term capital gains tax rates

You pay 0% on long-term capital gains if you have an income of $44,625 or less; 15% if you have an income of over $44,625 to $492,300; and 20% if your income exceeds $492,300.