Abstract: Many people overlook tax
considerations when planning their mutual fund investments. This article offers
some tax-savvy tips, including avoiding year-end investments and watching out
for reinvested distributions. A sidebar explains why tax-inefficient funds
should be directed to nontaxable accounts.
Handle with care: Mutual funds and taxes
Many people overlook taxes when planning their mutual fund investments. But youÕve got to handle these valuable assets with care. Here are some tips to consider.
Avoid year-end investments
Typically,
mutual funds distribute accumulated dividends and capital gains toward the end
of the year. But donÕt fall for the common misconception that investing in a
fund just before a distribution date is like getting Òfree money.Ó
True,
youÕll receive a yearÕs worth of income right after you invest. But the value
of your shares will immediately drop by the same amount, so you wonÕt be any
better off. Plus, youÕll be liable for taxes on the distribution as if you had
owned your shares all year.
You can get a general idea of when a particular fund anticipates making a distribution by checking its website periodically. Also make a note of the Òrecord dateÓ — investors who own fund shares on that date will participate in the distribution.
Invest in tax-efficient funds
Actively
managed funds tend to be less tax efficient. They buy and sell securities more
frequently, generating a greater amount of capital gain, much of it short-term
gain taxable at ordinary income rates rather than the lower, long-term capital
gains rates.
Consider
investing in tax-efficient funds instead. For example, index funds generally
have lower turnover rates. And Òpassively managedÓ funds (sometimes described
as Òtax managedÓ funds) are designed to minimize taxable distributions.
Another option is exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Unlike mutual funds, which generally redeem shares by selling securities, ETFs are often able to redeem securities Òin kindÓ — that is, to swap them for other securities. This limits an ETFÕs recognition of capital gains, making it more tax efficient.
This isnÕt to say that tax-inefficient funds donÕt have a place in your portfolio. In some cases, actively managed funds may offer benefits, such as above-market returns, that outweigh their tax costs.
Watch out for reinvested distributions
Many
investors elect to have their distributions automatically reinvested in their
funds. Be aware that those distributions are taxable regardless of whether
theyÕre reinvested or paid out in cash.
Reinvested distributions increase your tax basis in a fund, so track your basis carefully. If you fail to account for these distributions, youÕll end up paying tax on them twice — once when theyÕre paid and again when you sell your shares in the fund.
Fortunately, under current rules, mutual fund companies are required to track your basis for you. But you still may need to track your basis in funds you owned before 2012 when this requirement took effect, or if you purchased units in the fund outside of the current broker holding your units.
Do your due
Tax considerations should never be the primary driver of your investment decisions. Yet itÕs important to do your due diligence on the potential tax consequences of funds youÕre considering — particularly for your taxable accounts.
Sidebar: Directing tax-inefficient funds into nontaxable accounts
If you invest in actively managed or other tax-inefficient funds, ideally you should put these holdings in nontaxable accounts, such as a traditional IRA or 401(k). Because earnings in these accounts are tax-deferred, distributions from funds they hold wonÕt have any tax consequences until you withdraw them. And if the funds are held in a Roth account, those distributions will escape taxation altogether.
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