Calculate the after-tax yields on the foregoing investments, assuming the Brittens have a 28% marginal tax rate (based on Public Law 108-27, The Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003).
Public Law 108-27 Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 - http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/US_Public_Law_108-27
The condominium - expected annual increase in market value = 5%. - assuming the property will be used as a primary residence the gain generally will not be taxed. Municipal bonds - expected annual yield = 5%. - tax exempt on the federal levelHigh-yield corporate stocks - expected dividend yield = 8%. - qualified dividends will be taxed at 15% rate - after tax yield = .08*(1-.15)=6.8%Savings account in a commercial bank-expected annual yield = 3%. - will be taxed at regular rate 28% - after tax yield = .03*(1-.28)=2.16%High-growth common stocks - expected annual increase in market value = 10%; expected dividend yield = 0. - assuming stocks will be held more than a year - that will be long term capital gain taxed at 15% rate - after tax yield = .1*(1-.15)=8.5%
How would you recommend the Brittens invest their $40,000? Explain your answer.
Purchase a the condominium would be the first step - that is not only investment option, but also additional tax savings on mortgage interest, real estate taxes, and they do not need to pay rent expenses.
High-growth common stocks seems as the best option, but that is the most risky one and less liquid - they should allocate only that part of funds to accommodate risk factors and long term investment. However the tax liability would be delayed as they would owe taxed only if stock are sold.
Municipal bonds is a good option because the earnings are not taxable that is very important because of high tax bracket. It is also less risky option.
Funds in savings account should be viewed more as security funds and less as investment. That is very liquid option in case of emergency.
So recommendations would be:1.$10,000 down payment for condominium 2.$5000 - savings account as emergency funds3. the rest should be allocated between High-yield corporate stocks, High-growth common stocks, and Municipal bonds based on investment objectives and risk factors.
Tax Preparer
Personal Investment, Tax Preparation