Americans’ fondness for fixed-income investments like bonds and money market funds has been revived by rising interest rates, but experts advise them to be ready for taxes.
The Federal Reserve increased its benchmark short-term fed funds rate to target 5.25%–5.50%, from near zero at the beginning of 2022 and to the highest level in 22 years, in an effort to combat inflation.
In light of the unstable economy and the stock market, higher rates are bad for borrowers who must pay more, but they are good for savers who earn a better return on their investment. For instance, in the first three months of this year, money market fund assets reached a record high of $5.69 trillion.
It’s possible that having a higher income that is consistent and practically risk-free can cost you more money in taxes in the coming year, according to experts.
On the one hand, the increased interest rate is fantastic news, but if you have to make quarterly anticipated payments, are you prepared for a tax hit in April or earlier? stated Rob Keller, a tax partner at KPMG, a tax consulting business.
What are investments with a fixed income?
Savings accounts, money market funds, certificates of deposits (CDs), and government and municipal bonds are examples of assets providing a regular, fixed dividend. They often produce money with little risk.
They provide as a counterbalance to stock assets, which are riskier and typically produce returns through value appreciation in a balanced portfolio. The 60/40 portfolio, or typical balanced portfolio, is made up of 40% fixed income and 60% stocks.
Compared to stocks, how are fixed-income assets taxed?
Fixed-income asset income is taxable at your individual income tax rate, depending on which tax category you belong under. Seven federal income tax rates, ranging from 10% to 37%, are listed by the IRS for 2023.
Omar Qureshi, an investment strategist with St. Louis, Missouri-based wealth management firm Hightower, stated that these rates are often greater than dividends and capital gains rates from stocks.
According to taxable income and filing status, the tax rates on qualified stock dividends and capital gains for assets held for at least a year range from 0% to 20%. According to the IRS, the majority of people pay a capital gains tax of 15% when they sell their stock.
State taxes may also apply to fixed income payments. This can be particularly detrimental if you live in a state with a high income tax, such as California or New York, where the top rates are both above 10%, according to advisers.
According to Qureshi, if you have a high tax band, 50% of your interest income is returned to the government. 5.5% interest on your money first seems wonderful, but if you have to return half of it, it’s not so nice.
Exists a technique to decrease the impact of taxes?
Yes, think carefully about your purchases and the location of your asset holdings.
You can avoid paying state taxes if you invest in a security backed by the US government, such as a T-bill, note, or bond.
“You’ll still have to pay federal taxes on the interest income, but if you live in a state with high taxes like California, a T-bill could be an excellent investment because you are able to save on the state side of the house,” Keller said.
Municipal bonds, which are issued by state, local, and city governments, are typically tax-exempt as well. Advisors advise investors to exercise caution and consult with a professional advisor before making any decisions because they are typically exempt from state tax in the state where the bond was issued.
In light of the tax penalty, are fixed-income investments worth it?
Yes. Despite the tax impact, advisors say you’re still likely to come out ahead, even if not by as much as you had anticipated.
Keller asserted, “Even if you’re paying taxes, you’re still making money.” Additionally, “earning 5.5% interest is good for many taxpayers. Not all taxpayers pay the highest marginal rate of income tax, and others may reside in states like Texas that have no income tax.
What other information about fixed-income assets should I know?
You need to conduct your research because not all fixed-income assets are created equal. For instance:
- The safest investments are Treasuries because Uncle Sam 100% guarantees them, ensuring that you will always get your initial investment back. In contrast, money market funds are not guaranteed nor FDIC insured, putting your entire investment at risk.
- The FDIC insures money market accounts and CDs up to $250,000, though.
- Because they are issued in considerably lower quantities than Treasury bonds, municipal bonds are more difficult to dump than Treasury bonds.
- Treasuries must be purchased directly from the government or through a brokerage, bank, or dealer; in contrast, CDs are typically purchased at banks, credit unions, and occasionally brokerages; nonetheless, CDs require close management. The CD rate you lock in is only valid for the CD’s duration. If the CD rolls over automatically, it might do so at a slower rate. Or there can be charges if you pay it out too soon. The cashing out of a Treasury is free.