Tax Loss Harvesting

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Definition of 'Tax Loss Harvesting'

Tax loss harvesting is a strategy that investors use to reduce their tax bill. It involves selling investments that have lost value in order to generate capital losses. These losses can then be used to offset capital gains, or other types of income, in the same year or in future years.

There are a few things to keep in mind when using tax loss harvesting. First, you can only claim capital losses up to the amount of your capital gains. Any unused losses can be carried forward to future years. Second, you must sell the investments that have lost value in order to claim the losses. You cannot simply write them off on your taxes.

Third, there are some restrictions on what types of investments you can use for tax loss harvesting. For example, you cannot sell investments that are held in a retirement account, such as an IRA or 401(k).

Tax loss harvesting can be a complex strategy, so it's important to consult with a financial advisor before you make any decisions. However, if used correctly, it can be a valuable tool for reducing your tax bill.

Here are some additional details about tax loss harvesting:

* The best time to use tax loss harvesting is during a down market, when you have more losses to claim.
* You can only claim capital losses up to the amount of your capital gains. Any unused losses can be carried forward to future years.
* You must sell the investments that have lost value in order to claim the losses. You cannot simply write them off on your taxes.
* There are some restrictions on what types of investments you can use for tax loss harvesting. For example, you cannot sell investments that are held in a retirement account, such as an IRA or 401(k).
* Tax loss harvesting can be a complex strategy, so it's important to consult with a financial advisor before you make any decisions. However, if used correctly, it can be a valuable tool for reducing your tax bill.

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