Investing in stocks remains one of the best investment options in which one can invest in and make huge returns. The stock market, for example, remains the most lucrative investment markets around the world and although the investment market has its own dark moments, the returns are impressively great. It is also one of the most diversified options in the vast world on investment subsequently each option has a high level of customization for different investors. In addition, the stock investment has the best percentage of tax payments. Tax on stocks remains to be one of the main factors people consider before making the investment decision. The tax rates in this niche are impressively great, especially compared to normal income taxes.

Over the years, the stock market has presented investors with the best escape routes during hard economic times and therefore avoiding massive losses. The ability to withstand the economic crises makes this investment preference the best option. The only trick to making huge returns is to understand how to pay taxes on stocks. Paying taxes is technical and it is important to have professional assistance.

Which is the recommended period to pay taxes on stocks?

The question of ‘when’ is one of the most asked questions in this investment niche. It is an important question keeping in mind how tax penalties are strict. It is, however, important to note that the ‘time’ question is subjective to many factors. This is the reason as to why having a tax adviser is important in understanding timeframes. It is also important to understand that paying your stock related taxes on a quarterly basis is vital.

How ‘resell time’ of stock influence the percentage on taxes 

In the stock world, time is a period either less or more than one year. These two periods represent two different scenarios when paying taxes. It is therefore important to weigh the two options before selling stocks. It is important to note that the 15% and 28% rates mentioned below are also subjective to other factors such as the stock’s value and the type of stock.

• Selling stocks within one year

Selling your stocks in less than one-year attracts a different definition of tax percentage. Unlike selling the stocks after a period of one year, the tax, in this case, is different. In this case, the stock is taxed equivalently to regular income. Regular income, in this case, is higher for a majority of people in the U.S. It ranges around 28%. This means that selling stock within the period of one year is expensive. For a typical investor willing to save on money paid through taxes, it vital to wait more than one year before selling the stocks.

• Selling stock after one year

Unlike the situation above, selling the stock after the lapse of one year attracts a tax rate of around 15%. This means, therefore, that it is more rational and economically viable to sell stocks after one year. It is therefore important for investors to give their stocks a period of more than one year in order to enjoy better tax rates. When an investor waits more than one year, they save 13% of tax, which is comparatively impressive. It is, however, important to note that the figures may vary depending on the stock value. The higher the stock value, the more the tax. But then again, the principle of time remains.

The two ‘time scenarios’ cements the importance of long-term investments compared to short-term investments in the stocks world. The US tax structures are more friendly to long-term investors and it is therefore important to always aim at long-term investing.

What the financial laws say about stocks sold at a loss

When the stock is sold at a loss, the laws give the investor a relief by allowing them to write off losses but against their previous gains. This situation, however, does not include the stocks sold after less than one year. Stock sold after one year is the normal income (like discussed above) and therefore normal income does not benefit from writing off losses with previous profits. This tax scenario also points out the importance of having long-term investments in stocks.