How to Avoid Capital Gains Tax on Stocks Legally in 2026
“Michael, I just sold my company stock to fund a down payment… my accountant says I owe a fortune in taxes. How is that possible?” This was the…
Taxes & Tax Planning Archive
Previous tax-planning articles across capital gains, home sales, inherited assets, Roth conversions, RMDs, QCDs, Social Security, Medicare IRMAA and state-tax decisions.
Capital Gains Tax on a Home Sale: 2026 Section 121 Guide
Capital gains tax on a home sale is often avoidable, but not because of a secret loophole. The main federal break is the Section 121 home-sale exclusion. If…
California Capital Gains Tax in 2026: Rates, Rules & Calculator
California capital gains tax is simpler than it first looks, but the headline “13.3% capital gains rate” is misleading. California does not have a separate long-term capital-gains tax…
How to Avoid Capital Gains Tax on Inherited Property (2026)
If you’re trying to figure out how to avoid paying capital gains tax on inherited property, don’t start with tax tricks. Start with the gain. In many inheritances,…
1031 Exchange Rules: Deadlines, Boot & Tax Traps
A 1031 exchange can defer recognition of gain when you exchange qualifying U.S. real property held for investment or business use for other qualifying like-kind real property. The…
Florida Capital Gains Tax in 2026: What You Actually Pay
Florida does not impose an individual state capital gains tax. For a Florida resident selling stocks, crypto, a business interest, or real estate held personally, the Florida state…
States With No Income Tax in 2026: Should You Move?
For nearly three decades, I’ve heard some version of the same six words from people thinking about a move: “I’m moving to a no-income-tax state.” States with no…
Are Financial Advisor Fees Tax Deductible in 2026?
Are financial advisor fees tax deductible in 2026? For most individual investors, no. Personal investment-advisory and financial-planning fees are not deductible on your federal Form 1040 under current…
Inheritance Tax vs. Estate Tax: Who Pays & Which States Tax You?
Estate tax and inheritance tax are not the same tax. Estate tax is generally imposed on the estate before assets reach heirs. Inheritance tax is imposed on certain…
Roth Conversion Calculator 2026: Estimate Tax Cost & Future Value
A Roth conversion calculator should answer more than, “What is 24% of the amount I convert?” The real question is how much of your conversion falls into each…