Cut Your Taxes Now: Smart planning could save you big bucks when you do your 2013 return

摘要

MOST OF US TREAT OUR TAX RETURNS LIKE INFLATABLE Santas: Once the season is over, we shove them into the back of a closet until next year. But shelving your taxes until next spring could cost you money, especially this year. The tax law passed earlier in the year as part of the deal to avert the fiscal cliff imposes a new 39.6% marginal rate on taxable income over $400,000 ($450,000 for married couples). Taxpayers in this bracket will pay 23.8% on dividends and long-term capital gains- not the 15% rate that applies to most investors.