Tax Guide Topics

Beginning Investors
What you need to know about taxes if you're just starting out as an investor.

Compensation in Stock and Options
Guidance on the tax consequences of stock grants, nonqualified options and incentive stock options.

Roth IRA
The web's most complete guide to the Roth IRA, including beginner pages and advanced topics.

Custodial Accounts for Minors
Pros and cons of using these accounts to accumulate savings for your children.

Capital Gains
We cover many aspects of capital gains and losses, including a detailed discussion of the infamous wash sale rule.

Mutual Funds
We explain the special rules for mutual fund dividends, and also special rules for determining your gain or loss when you sell mutual fund shares.

Traders and Investors
On this page we discuss the difference between traders and investors. We plan to offer more extensive tax guidance for traders later.

Estimated Tax
Many people don't have to worry about estimated tax — until they start investing. Here's a guide to this procedure.

Alternative Minimum Tax
This complicated and surprising tax applies to more and more people each year. Should you be worried about it? Find out here.