The Zero Percent Cap Gain Rate

In 2008, the (long term) capital gains rates dropped. If you are in the 10% or 15% marginal bracket, your capital gain rate drops from 5% in 2007 to 0% (yes, zero!) from 2008-2010. For those in the 25% bracket or higher, the rate remains 15%. In 2011, these rates revert back to the pre-2003 levels of 10%/20%. See the charts at Fairmark to understand what bracket you fall into. As always, one should not let the tax tail wag the investing dog, it’s just good to know how these laws impact your investments. If this advice sounds familiar, I first suggested this back in January. Between the growth in readership I’ve enjoyed since then (up fivefold) and the risk this benefit may be short lived, I thought it worth repeating.
JOE