Published Friday, September 11, 2020, 8:30 PM EST
It was a mixed week for stocks, and the most important opportunity to manage your wealth wisely right now is in tax planning.
Higher income taxes are expected to hit professionals, business owners, and other high-income earners. Sorry, but the financial balance sheet of the United States recently has been weakened. No matter which party wins the election, higher taxes will be required to pay down the long-term debt of the nation.
Capital gains. Now is the time to start considering selling an appreciated asset in 2020, rather than paying a higher capital gains tax if you think Joe Biden will be elected.
Instalment Sales To Children. Now would be a good time to consider selling property – like real estate – on an instalment loan to your children. Depending on the national election results, you might elect out of the sale on October 15, 2021, after the election and the U.S. tax plan is a done deal.
Payroll Tax And High Earners. In 2020, you're not subject to taxes on wages and salary of more than $137,700. Under Biden's plan, earnings of more than $400,000 would be subject to the 12.4% payroll tax. You may want to consider establishing an S-corp.
The Standard & Poor's 500 stock index closed Friday at 3,340.97, lower by -2.54% from a week ago, but +39.56% over its March 23rd bear market low.
This marks the first time since the height of the pandemic in March where the S&P 500 has posted a loss for two weeks back to back.
Stock prices have swung wildly since the coronavirus crisis started in March and volatility is to be expected in the months ahead.
The Standard & Poor's 500 (S&P 500) is an unmanaged group of securities considered to be representative of the stock market in general. It is a market-value weighted index with each stock's weight proportionate to its market value. Index returns do not include fees or expenses. Investing involves risk, including the loss of principal, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor's shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance quoted.
Nothing contained herein is to be considered a solicitation, research material, an investment recommendation or advice of any kind., and it is subject to change without notice. Any investments or strategies referenced herein do not account for the investment objectives, financial situation or needs of any specific person. The material represents an assessment of financial, economics tax law, and proposals for new taxes, at a specific point in time and is not a guarantee of future results.
This material represents an assessment of the market and economic environment at a specific point in time and is not intended to be a forecast of future events or a guarantee of future results. Forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. Actual results, performance, or achievements may differ materially from those expressed or implied. Information is based on data gathered from what we believe are reliable sources. It is not guaranteed as to accuracy, does not purport to be complete, and is not intended to be used as a primary basis for investment decisions.
This article was written by a veteran financial journalist based on data compiled and analyzed by independent economist, Fritz Meyer. While these are sources we believe to be reliable, the information is not intended to be used as financial advice without consulting a professional about your personal situation. Indices are unmanaged and not available for direct investment. Investments with higher return potential carry greater risk for loss. Past performance is not an indicator of your future results.
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Positive Earnings, Housing, and LEI News; Stocks Closed Week At A Record
Positive reports on corporate earnings, housing starts, and the index of leading economic indicators (LEI) drove stocks to close the week at a record high.
