top stories in News Reel
-
1 of 10
5 Dogs of the Car Dealership
-
2 of 10
Could Video Games Extend Your Life?
-
3 of 10
Car Makers on the Road to Recovery
-
-
4 of 10
6 Ways to Avoid an Audit
-
5 of 10
Why BlackBerry Is Under the Gun
-
6 of 10
Is Market Timing Dead?
-
7 of 10
10 Things Medicare Won't Tell You
-
8 of 10
Should You Ever Buy Into New ETFs?
-
9 of 10
Lessons From Past Dow Milestones
-
10 of 10
Companies Make Smokers Pay
Welcome
Tools
-
Capital Gains Tax Estimator
Take control of your capital gains
-
What's my average tax rate?
Plug your own numbers in to find your rate.
-
What's my marginal tax rate?
-
Home Sale Tax Estimator
How-To Guides
-
How to Write a Will
There's no better time to start than today.
-
How to Cut Property Taxes
A few steps to take to manage your property tax bill.
-
How to Do Your Own Taxes
With advances in technology, filing and paying your taxes has become as easy as checking email.
-
3 last-minute moves to lower your tax bill; Commentary: There’s still time to take advantage of these tax breaks
MarketWatchAlthough 2012 is in your rear-view mirror, it’s not too late to make some moves that will save taxes on Form 1040 and maybe on your state income tax return as well. Here are three possibilities.
-
Subscriber Content Read Preview
Why You Might Need a Six-Month Extension
WSJ.comFor taxpayers who can't manage the April 15 deadline, the Internal Revenue Service offers an automatic six-month filing extension. This year the due date is Oct. 15, and taxpayers qualify by filing Form 4868.
-
Subscriber Content Read Preview
Last-Minute Tax Tips
WSJ.comDespite the year-end cliffhanger on Capitol Hill, lawmakers made few surprising changes to the tax code for 2012.But that doesn't mean taxpayers won't stumble into trouble, given the rise of electronic filing, expanded reporting ...
-
The gay marriage stimulus package; Experts say legalizing same-sex marriage could spur economic growth
MarketWatchThe Supreme Court reconvened Wednesday for a second day of arguments on the rights of same-sex couples to marry. Whatever the high court decides, the controversial issue is proving to be not just a social and civil rights issue, experts ...
-
Subscriber Content Read Preview
Annoying Tax Errors to Watch Out For This Year
WSJ.comTax specialists say some common and easily avoided errors for 2012 can cost taxpayers dearly. Here are the most important.• Overlooking retroactive changes Congress made in January. Lawmakers reinstated for tax year 2012 some provisions ...
-
Subscriber Content Read Preview
Gift Taxes: What Your CPA Doesn't Know
WSJ.comTaxpayers who gave substantial assets to family members last year could be in for a nasty surprise this tax season: potential errors on federal gift-tax returns that could result in donors owing taxes on gifts they thought were tax-free.
-
Subscriber Content Read Preview
Tax Tips for Life's Big Changes
WSJ.comSometimes life's biggest changes can save you a bundle in taxes—if you know how to take advantage of them.What was new in your life last year? Did you get married or divorced, or adopt a child? Did your parents move in—or your adult child? ...
-
Who Will Get Hit With New Tax?
WSJ.comQ: How high does your income have to be to get hit by the new investment-income tax?C.F., Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.A: Our reader is asking about a surtax of 3.8 percentage points on net investment income. This new tax, enacted in 2010 to help ...
-
Buy a home in Europe, get a lower interest rate? Lenders abroad may offer better deals, but approval can be tougher
MarketWatchLooking to live abroad? Americans who get a mortgage from an overseas lender can end up with lower interest rates, more lenient repayment terms and tax perks to boot.
-
The Taxable Downside of Debt Forgiveness
WSJ.comYou may have shored up your finances by settling most nonmortgage debt with creditors in 2012, but there's no escaping the tax man: The Internal Revenue Service expects you to pay taxes on that dodged debt, which is now considered "income."
-
The IRS is too busy to talk to you; Getting the tax man to pick up the phone may be tougher this year
MarketWatchThis week it may be easier to get Barack Obama on the phone than the IRS.The days following Presidents Day tend to be the toughest times to phone the tax man, since the number of returns filed — and inquiries about refunds — spike just ...
-
4 tax breaks for a bad economy; Commentary: There are upsides to tough times come tax time
MarketWatchWhile the economy has improved, it’s still underperforming, and it may not have gotten any better for you personally. So let’s cover some tax-saving opportunities that are likely to be helpful between now and whenever the sunshine really ...
-
More Returns Can Soon Be Filed
WSJ.comSome people have a good reason for not filing their tax returns yet: They can't.But procrastinators, beware. That excuse will soon disappear.
-
Subscriber Content Read Preview
Taxes; It Could Be Worse; The U.S. has a long history of (very) high tax rates. How does 91 percent feel?
WSJ.comAND NOW FOR a history lesson. As Americans prepare their taxes for April, the annual pain begins. It could be worse: For more than half the time the income tax has been around, the top rate on individuals was sky-high by current standards.
-
H&R Block snafu delays refunds; Mandatory field on tax form left blank, IRS says
MarketWatchDue to an editing error, a previous version of this article incorrectly characterized the IRS’s statements.A tax-preparation software glitch caused more than 600,000 returns to be filed incorrectly, delaying refunds by as much as six weeks, ...
-
Is it better to buy or rent a home? Crunching the numbers on the perennial real-estate question
MarketWatchDespite the fact that home mortgage interest rates are near record lows, only 65.4% of Americans own homes, according the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2012 report. (See Homeownership Rates by State: 1984 to 2012) In fact, home ownership in the U.S. ...
-
'Nanny Tax' Offenders Get a Break
WSJ.comEmploying a nanny or other household workers can open a can of worms with the Internal Revenue Service, but the agency wants to make it easier for people who mishandle taxes for their hired help to put things right.
-
Rethink Your Withholdings for 2013
WSJ.comMillions of people look forward to receiving their income-tax refunds each year.Getting a tax refund may seem like a safe and reliable way to force yourself to save. If that's the only way you know how to save, so be it. But for most of us, ...
-
Subscriber Content Read Preview
By Laura Saunders; When Your Broker 'Outs' You
WSJ.comLast year, did you sell stocks, mutual funds or exchange-traded funds held in a taxable account?If so, read this before you file your 2012 tax return.
-
20 ways to make the most of capital gains; Not just stock and fund shares are eligible for favorable tax treatment
MarketWatchIf you’re a stock or mutual-fund investor, then you probably know that investments held for more than a year and sold for a profit are subject to lower tax rates as long-term capital gains. Generally speaking, if you’re in the 25% tax ...
-
Subscriber Content Read Preview
The 'Other' College-Savings Account
WSJ.comAn education savings account that recently won permanent status could offer an extra boost to families facing big school bills in the future.
-
Filing your taxes? 7 things to check first; You’re responsible for what’s in it — whether you prepare it or not
MarketWatchIf you’re not checking your tax return before it gets sent to the IRS, you could be in for some nasty surprises.Did you find a tax pro who swears she can get you better refunds than anyone else in the world? Do all her clients get great ...
-
Taxes after the death of a spouse; Commentary: Four steps to navigating your changed tax situation
MarketWatchIf your spouse died last year, it of course affects your 2012 federal income tax return. But there are other tax implications as well. Here are four of the most important things to know.
-
Crunch time tax to-do list; A rundown of which tasks need to get done in March
MarketWatchTraditionally, March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. That makes sense for the weather, but does it also apply to taxes?March 1
-
Getting more time from the tax man; Can’t get your tax act together by April 15? File for an extension
MarketWatchTick, tock. Uncle Sam’s April 15 deadline for your 2012 return is looming, and you aren’t nearly ready to file? Now could be the time to come up with a backup plan. Fortunately, the Internal Revenue Service has some sympathy for ...
-
The gay-marriage tax penalty; Unable to file joint tax returns, gay couples face bigger bills, hassles
MarketWatchThere’s no gay marriage on form 1040.Same-sex couples can legally wed in nine states and the District of Columbia. This week, 80 prominent Republicans urged the Supreme Court to make it the law of the land. But come tax time, married gay ...
-
Spend That Tax Refund Wisely
WSJ.comAlina Lane's 2012 tax refund came in the mail last week. But she planned how to spend the money long before it arrived.The 26-year-old will put a chunk of the roughly $3,800 refund toward paying her student loans from dental school after ...
-
Marriage: now even more taxing; New rules will raise tax bills for many high-earning couples
MarketWatchThere are plenty of money matters for couples to consider before tying the knot, from figuring out how to pay off debt to where to spend all their hard-earned cash. Starting this year, many higher earners can add one more discussion to that ...
-
Fix your home, save on taxes; Overlooked tax breaks for energy-saving home improvements
MarketWatchUncle Sam offers two different tax credits for energy-efficient home improvements.One expired at the end of 2011, but the fiscal-cliff legislation resurrected it for 2012 and 2013. The other credit covers expensive stuff and can be a big ...
-
Child-care tax breaks for working parents; How to take advantage of tax savings available to all earners
MarketWatchYou may have to pay child-care expenses for your kids so you can work. Thankfully, a federal income tax credit can help pay the bills. It’s available to all eligible parents regardless of income, although lower-income folks get bigger ...
-
Taxpayers’ newest headache: Congress; Deadlock on sequestration could delay refunds, increase fraud
MarketWatchIf lawmakers fail to reach a deal on sequestration by Friday, officials say the $85 billion in federal cuts that would go into effect would clobber the Internal Revenue Service during its busiest time of year.
-
Tax breaks for everyone (even top earners); Some perks are available to just about anybody — regardless of income
MarketWatchIf you’re a high-income type, you’re probably painfully aware that some tax breaks are phased out (either reduced or eliminated) as your adjusted gross income, or AGI, increases. That’s the price of success, right? Well, not necessarily. ...
-
Tax breaks for mutual-fund investors; Invest in international shares? Don’t pay the IRS more than necessary
MarketWatchPart of being a smart mutual-fund investor is making sure you walk away with as much profit in your pocket as possible. This means avoiding load funds (usually, anyway) and funds with ridiculously high expense ratios.
-
Subscriber Content Read Preview
The Nanny-Tax Amnesty
WSJ.comIt is all too easy to fumble taxes when paying a nanny or other household worker. But the Internal Revenue Service is making it easier for people who mishandled such issues to make things right.
-
Subscriber Content Read Preview
'Lost Generation' Feels Italy's Fiscal Squeeze; Forty-Somethings Pay Price of Austerity in Higher Taxes, but Will Reap Lower Pension Benefits
WSJ.comROME—Forty-something Italians are facing austerity for the rest of their working lives—just as they have since becoming adults."We are the lost generation," says Andrea Bolla, the 46-year-old chief executive of energy provider Vivigas and ...
-
A New Prescription for Taxes
WSJ.comThis year, several important tax changes tied to the federal health overhaul will start affecting consumers—including new limits on medical deductions and higher tax rates for some higher-income taxpayers.
-
Subscriber Content Read Preview
The New Capital-Gains Maze
WSJ.comChances are your capital-gains taxes are going up this year—and if you aren't careful, you could end up paying more than necessary.Amid the political drama surrounding the "fiscal cliff" negotiations, some investors overlooked significant ...
-
The taxman is now playing doctor; How today’s tax returns will impact tomorrow’s medical bills
MarketWatchWhen they file their returns this year, some Americans will get a medical bill with their tax bill.Starting next January, the Affordable Care Act mandates that every American have health coverage, and those who remain uninsured will pay a ...
-
7 top nations for dodging taxes á la Depardieu; Higher U.S. tax brackets may tempt some to follow the actor’s lead
MarketWatchFrench actor Gerard Depardieu’s decision to renounce his citizenship in order to avoid paying taxes might be tempting to those moving into ever high brackets. But experts warn that making such an exit is often a complex and costly process.
-
Online tax help gets personal; Tax preparers offer more customer service, on the tablet and smartphone
MarketWatchThe big news in do-it-yourself tax preparation is help. Lots of it. The tax software companies have come to the conclusion that the only way to woo taxpayers away from tax professionals is to offer answers. Not just technical guidance on ...
-
Surviving the dreaded IRS audit; Tips for dealing with an audit — as well as reducing penalties
MarketWatchIt’s that time of year again, when tax questions start pouring in. Among the most frequently asked: What’s the best way to deal with an IRS audit and reduce any penalties? Here are some strategies to help you get past those fears — and face ...
-
5 overlooked tax breaks for small businesses; Commentary: Congress extended and expanded several key deductions
MarketWatchLast month’s fiscal-cliff legislation included lots of tax provisions. Media attention has focused heavily on changes that affect individuals. But the new law also provides some valuable tax-saving breaks for businesses. Here’s the most ...
-
Free e-filing for tax returns; How to find free tax-filing services, online and in-person
MarketWatchSeventy percent of American taxpayers — more than 100 million people — are eligible to file their tax returns for free, says Timothy D. Hugo, executive director of the Free File Alliance, a coalition between the IRS and a group of ...
-
7 little-known tax breaks for your 2012 return; These strategies could boost your refund — or reduce what you owe
MarketWatchIt’s already time to start thinking seriously about filing your Form 1040 for 2012, especially if you expect a refund. Here are seven little-known tax-saving goodies that could make your refund bigger or cut what you owe.
-
Subscriber Content Read Preview
Taking Advantage of IRA Charitable Rollover
WSJ.comFinancial advisers are making sure that older clients who like to give to charity take advantage of a popular tax strategy while they can.Under the American Taxpayer Relief Act, traditional IRA owners, those 70 1/2 years old and above, can ...
-
Bad Math: Taxes Rise as Savings Fall
WSJ.comIt's time to rethink how much you're saving for retirement and how you're saving it.For one thing, the recent budget deal in Washington (aka the American Taxpayer Relief Act) didn't renew the so-called employee payroll-tax holiday. That ...
-
Subscriber Content Read Preview
IRA Donations Get a Break; New Rules Reinstate Tax Treatment for Gifts to Charity
WSJ.comBetter late than never.On New Year's Day, Congress renewed the highly popular but expired individual retirement account charitable-rollover provision for people at least 70½ years old. The extension is retroactive to Jan. 1, 2012, and will ...
-
How to beat the new rules for health deductions; Making the most of recent tax changes requires advance planning
MarketWatchAmid the ever-increasing cost of health care, it’s essential to be constantly vigilant in looking for chances to claim tax breaks for medical expenses. Unfortunately, changes taking effect this year make that more difficult. Here’s the ...
-
What to Look for in a Tax Preparer
WSJ.comAre you a glutton for punishment? To put it another way: Do you still prepare your own tax return?If so, you are in the minority. As our tax laws have grown increasingly complex, more taxpayers have hired someone to figure out the mysteries ...
-
Paying your taxes: Cash or credit? A major downside to paying with plastic
MarketWatchWorried about how you’re going to pay your tax bill? It might be tempting to slap it on plastic.After all, you can charge your 2012 federal income taxes on a Visa, MasterCard, Discover Card or American Express. What if you want a filing ...
-
Don't Let Tax Cheaters Target You
WSJ.comIn March of 2011, David Parker filed his 2010 income-tax return with a check for what he owed the Internal Revenue Service.Three months later, weeks after the check was cashed, the Seattle resident discovered during a mortgage refinancing ...
-
Subscriber Content Read Preview
More Firms Roll Out Roths
WSJ.comMany employers are planning to add a Roth 401(k) option to their offerings of corporate benefits in the next 12 months, a new survey suggests, making it easier for workers to save money that can be withdrawn tax-free in retirement.
-
Protect Against Tax Identity Theft
WSJ.comMany taxpayers are facing a severe identity crisis.Internal Revenue Service officials said recently they are intensifying efforts to combat the growing problem of identity theft and tax-refund fraud. The IRS now has more than 3,000 ...
-
Were TurboTax ads unfair to H&R Block? Sometimes it’s OK if your tax preparer lacks a CPA
MarketWatchNearly one in seven American tax returns is filled out at H&R Block, in part, industry pros say, because its national brand inspires confidence. But are its 90,000 “tax professionals” really experts? Rival preparation company Intuit — ...
-
Tax prep gets pricier; Higher demand — and fees — expected thanks to tax law changes
MarketWatchTaxpayers overwhelmed with recent tax law changes may be more tempted to have their tax returns handled by a pro this year. But that extra help is likely to come with a higher price tag.
-
What the New Law Means for Your Taxes
WSJ.comHere are some questions and answers about what the tax deal means for millions of Americans.What happens to individual tax rates? For most people, rates stay the same as last year. There's a new permanent top rate of 39.6%, compared with ...
-
Buy savings bonds with your tax refund? The Treasury Department is pushing it, but advisers warn against it
MarketWatchUncle Sam is pitching savings bonds as a good place to sock your tax refund, but financial advisers and other experts recommend thinking twice.
-
Early tax refunds — for a fee; Tax preparers push conveniences, but consumer advocates say beware
MarketWatchIt’s been a year since U.S. regulators largely curtailed the “refund anticipation loan,” a popular but controversial product which allowed taxpayers to get their refunds instantly — for a fee. Now tax-preparation firms are marketing ...
-
Picking the right tax pro; Asking questions early can save you time — and money — later
MarketWatchDisabled veteran pays $60,000 in taxes upon withdrawing $198,000 from his IRA. Siblings squabble over misdirected inheritance. Divorced man owes money on the sale of his former home. In each of these cases, the problems could have been ...
-
Subscriber Content Read Preview
By Laura Saunders; Is Taxing Health Plans Next?
WSJ.comWhen you receive your W-2 for 2012, pay attention to a surprising new number on the form, especially if you are an upper-income-bracket taxpayer. The figure could threaten one of your most valuable tax breaks.
-
Subscriber Content Read Preview
New Taxes Make Divorce Trickier
WSJ.comThe new federal tax law is making life more complicated for people contemplating divorce—especially the wealthy.Many couples decide to divorce in the new year, after they have had time to reflect on their marriages during the holidays, ...
-
Snagging tax-saving transportation benefits; Employers can set aside more pre-tax dollars for commuters
MarketWatchOur friends in Congress have granted some nice tax breaks for transportation-related employee fringe benefits. Several of these breaks are intended to encourage us to give up our evil, gas-guzzling, pollution-spewing vehicles when commuting ...
-
How Much Will Your Taxes Jump?
WSJ.comIn the nick of time, and amid much political drama, Congress passed the American Taxpayer Relief Act on New Year's Day—averting massive tax increases for nearly all earners that were slated to take effect Jan. 1.
-
Smart ways to spend your tax refund; 4 alternatives to blowing the check on gadgets or getaways
MarketWatchDespite the late start to the this year’s tax season, refund checks are already rolling in. About 75% of taxpayers are expected to receive refunds this year, according to estimates from the Internal Revenue Service, with the average check ...
-
A false start to tax season; Tax season started Wednesday — but not for everyone
MarketWatchThe fiscal cliff is still causing headaches for taxpayers. Technically, the IRS kicked off tax season Wednesday — a week later than expected, as a result of Congress’s 12th-hour deal — but tax pros say it could be weeks before many ...
-
Subscriber Content Read Preview
Balancing Do-Good Desire, Need for Income
WSJ.comNEW YORK--Retired clients often want to be philanthropic, but sometimes can't afford to make an outright gift. Some financial advisers see a charitable gift annuity as a way to balance a desire to do good with a need for income.
-
Bigger dividends in 2013? Experts say the tax deal isn’t the only reason to be optimistic
MarketWatchAn earlier version of this story misspelled fund manager Brian Shepardson’s name.Dividend investors came out of the fiscal-cliff deal relatively unscathed — a development experts say may spur companies to make bigger payments in 2013.
-
Subscriber Content Read Preview
How to Owe Capital-Gains Taxes Without Even Trying
WSJ.comThe byzantine U.S. tax code doesn't merely defy logic and comprehension. It also keeps producing ways to trip up investors.Donald Sheeler, a 65-year-old retired assistant fire chief who lives in Nokomis, Fla., was reviewing his brokerage ...
-
Stolen tax refund? What to do next; Making some key moves early can lead to a quicker resolution
MarketWatchWhile many Americans have already received tax refunds for last year, a growing number are getting some rather frustrating news — a notice that their check has been cashed by someone else.
-
Find Free Services and Advice
WSJ.comIs tax filing getting too costly? You may qualify for free services, especially if you're elderly or a low- to moderate-income earner.Anyone can file a federal tax return free through the Free File Alliance program on the Internal Revenue ...
-
Tax Changes You May Have Missed
WSJ.comThere are a few tax-law changes you may have missed amid all the headlines about the fiscal cliff. These and many other changes for 2013 automatically became effective Jan. 1.
-
January to-do list for taxes; How to get organized for tax year 2013. Plus, five tax resolutions
MarketWatchWe start the year off with tax legislation that finally makes it possible to do some definitive tax planning. Some of the measures affect your 2012 taxes; the rest cover 2013-17, with permanent changes.
-
IRS postpones tax season; Alas, returns will still need to be filed by April 15th
MarketWatchFor once it’s the IRS — and not taxpayers — doing the procrastinating. The agency postponed the start of tax-filing season to Jan. 30, officials said Tuesday, a delay that will push back refunds issued to early filers by more than a week.
-
What’s new on tax Form 1040; Key changes to consider when filing your taxes this year
MarketWatchIf you’ve not already received your 2012 W-2 and 1099s, you will any day now. And the Internal Revenue Service is geared up and ready for tax-filing season, which officially starts on Jan. 30. Bottom line: It’s time to start thinking about ...
-
You'd Be Surprised at What's Tax Deductible
WSJ.comWhat's a more valuable tax deduction, a deadbeat boyfriend or a vicious guard dog? It depends on how big a deadbeat the boyfriend is.No, this isn't a bad joke.
-
2013 tax code cheat sheet; 6 key tax changes to consider now
MarketWatchIn January, Congress passed the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (ATRA). Many provisions in the fiscal-cliff legislation were stopgaps until Congress could wrangle its way through the budget — and might go away soon. (To see how that ...
-
8 tax moves to make now; How to stay on track despite this season’s tax delays
MarketWatchTransmitters have been storing up tax return data for weeks, just chomping at the bit, waiting for the starting pistol to go off. Finally, this week, the IRS opened the e-filing gates. See: Do your federal taxes for free
-
Coming soon: A simpler home-office tax deduction; How a new option for calculating home-office costs could help taxpayers
MarketWatchClaiming the intimidating home-office deduction — long considered a red-flag for audits — is about to get easier.The Internal Revenue Service announced Tuesday it’s introducing a simplified option for claiming the deduction, which owners of ...
-
Don't Delay Filing Fafsa
WSJ.comYou may be filing your taxes later than usual this year. But don't let that delay your child's application for college financial aid.Tax changes resulting from the fiscal-cliff deal have caused the start of tax-filing season to be pushed ...
-
Eight Common Filing Blunders
WSJ.comSome filers could see their refunds held up if they're not careful. We consulted tax pros and the Internal Revenue Service to find outwhich flubs are most likely to cause problems, and what taxpayers can do to avoid them.
-
Subscriber Content Read Preview
Hungarian Forint and Mexican Peso Weaken
WSJ.comSeveral emerging-market currencies slid Monday as investors once again turned cautious on U.S. fiscal cliff concerns, with the Hungarian forint leading the declines.
-
‘Fiscal cliff’ doesn’t deter income seekers; Commentary: Money pours into dividend ETFs as higher taxes loom
MarketWatchNEW YORK (MarketWatch) — Taxes on dividends are bound to go up next year, at least for many people. Yet investors have been flocking to dividend-focused exchange-traded funds.
-
Ask Next; Undoing IRA Conversions; Deadlines in retirement savings plans and spousal benefits in Social Security
WSJ.comI converted my IRA to a Roth IRA in 2010. I elected to take the option of paying the taxes in 2011 and 2012.My income increased in 2011 and 2012 so that the taxes for this conversion are very high. Is it too late to re-characterize this ...
-
Subscriber Content Read Preview
By Ellen E. Schultz; Insurance Can Cut Your Taxes
WSJ.comBad investments have an upside: You often can use your losses to offset other gains. Unfortunately, you don't get the same tax break when you cash out a life-insurance policy at a loss.
-
Subscriber Content Read Preview
Donating Your Vacation Time
WSJ.comNow there is another way for workers to help victims of superstorm Sandy: donating unused vacation days.This past week, the Internal Revenue Service reactivated this benefit, which it previously allowed after the Sept. 11 attacks and ...
-
Protecting Your Deductions
WSJ.comNever mind your income-tax rate for next year—what will happen to your deductions?Presidential candidate Mitt Romney twice has raised the possibility of imposing caps on tax benefits to help lower tax rates. Instead of simply cutting the ...
-
Dividends: Start Screaming
WSJ.comEnough about the "fiscal cliff." What about the dividend cliff?At one second after midnight on Jan. 1, 2013, the maximum tax rate on dividends is likely to go from 15% to either 18.8% or 43.4%. The best-case scenario: Congress retains the ...
-
Fiscal cliff: The case for doing zilch
MarketWatchWith a number of potential tax changes at stake for investors in the “fiscal cliff” negotiations, financial adviser Andrew Millard is giving all of his clients the same advice: You’re better off doing zilch, zippo, nothing.
-
Tax moves to make now — fiscal cliff or not; Commentary: Year-end strategies for higher-income earners
MarketWatchTo do year-end tax planning right, you should take a two-year perspective. You don’t want to make a move that lowers your 2012 tax bill but raises your 2013 tax bill by more. Right now, taking a two-year perspective is difficult, because we ...
-
Subscriber Content Read Preview
Tax Breaks Under Fire
WSJ.comElection Day is almost here and the tax code is in flux, with the presidential candidates presenting starkly different plans for income-tax rates, capital-gains taxes, estate taxes and other key provisions for 2013 and beyond.
-
Subscriber Content Read Preview
With Higher Taxes Ahead, Stocks Are the Stuffing for Many Givers
WSJ.comForget the holiday-themed Barbie doll or the hot new tablet computer. Because of the looming "fiscal cliff," this season is prompting many gift givers to consider a different sort of present for children and teens: the gift of stock.
-
Exercising stock options this year: A tax-smart move?
MarketWatchThe so-called Bush tax cuts will automatically expire at year-end unless Congress takes action. Plus, the new 3.8% Medicare surtax on investment income collected by higher-income individuals is scheduled to take effect next year. The ...
-
It's Time for Some Portfolio Tweaks
WSJ.comWith U.S. stock indexes posting double-digit gains through the third quarter, and taxes poised to rise next year on several fronts, a little financial housekeeping is in order.
-
Don't Forget Paperwork
WSJ.comWhen giving to charity this season, don't forget to get the documentation you'll need for tax purposes.You typically can deduct charitable gifts if you itemize deductions on your tax return. But you'll need the proper documentation of your ...
-
Dividend ETFs may be first ‘fiscal cliff’ casualty; Commentary: With taxes up, high-quality matters over high-income
MarketWatchLONG BEACH, Calif. (MarketWatch) — It seems as though everyone is aware of the so-called fiscal cliff, but few are scared of it.Indeed, the buoyancy of the stock market lately suggests that traders expect a compromise in Congress on the tax ...
-
Homeowners hit by Sandy could get tax break; Recouping losses that insurance doesn’t cover
MarketWatchNEW YORK (MarketWatch) — The damage is only beginning to be tallied from the superstorm that blew through the Northeast on Monday and Tuesday. But as local residents assess the best way to address their losses, experts say they should ...
-
Investment Advice for 2013; Three advisers offer their predictions—and strategies—for next year
WSJ.comThe headlines have been unnerving for investors all year, perhaps never more so than now, with financial markets bracing for the worst as Congress and President Obama wrangle over a budget deal.
-
The biggest tax stories of 2012; Three issues that will continue to shape policy next year — and beyond
MarketWatch1. Pro-Tax Obama Wins Re-electionFor the past four years, it’s been clear that President Barack Obama would like to raise taxes — especially on “rich” folks with incomes above about $250,000. Due to the lousy economy, however, the president ...
-
IRS scorecard for 2012
MarketWatchIRS Commissioner Douglas Shulman just wrapped up his five-year stint. During his tenure, Shulman didn’t just move the IRS and the U.S. tax-professional community rapidly into the electronic age, he rattled global financial leaders as well.
-
Tax changes help families paying for college; How the fiscal-cliff deal could ease the burden of college costs.
MarketWatchThe fiscal-cliff deal Congress reached this week has one surprise winner: parents of college students.In addition to extending the Bush-era tax cuts for all but the highest earners, the measure expands a college-related credit and several ...
Video Results ( of )
-
Are the Markets Overreacting to the... 5:44
-
Opinion: Where Have all the Workers... 4:58
-
Seib & Wessel: Doomsday Machine of ... 12:42
-
Seib & Wessel: North Korea and the ... 12:19
-
Opinion: Another Housing Bubble? 4:19
-
Can Euro Zone Save Cyprus? 5:25
-
Texas Law Enforcement on High Alert... 1:31
-
Opinion: The Food Stamp Administrat... 4:50
-
Opinion: What ObamaCare Savings? 6:11
-
China Tightens Its Oversight on App... 1:42
-
More Market Records Likely to Come 10:08
-
WSJ Live Presents: Gov. Scott Walke... 32:52
-
Opinion: Who Defines Marriage? 5:19
-
Opinion: The GOP’s Sweet 16 3:54
-
ECO:nomics: Pension Funds Cannot On... 3:34
INVESTOR CENTER
MARKETS:
LOADING...
Buzz Box
Most Popular
//
Emailed
-
How to Write a Will
There's no better time to start than today.
-
How to Cut Property Taxes
A few steps to take to manage your property tax bill.