After TaxTax Playbook

Tax Playbook · Investment tax wins

ETFs dodge surprise tax bills

A mutual fund can send you a taxable gain even when you sold nothing. If it sends a $20,000 gain and your rate is 15%, that can mean a $3,000 tax bill. An ETF holding the same index can often avoid that payout, but not always.

Good for: Anyone with a regular (non-retirement) investment account.

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Educational summary, not tax advice. Limits and rules change — confirm current law with your tax adviser.