A method for determining the tax basis of an asset when it is transferred from one individual to another. Carryover basis is often used when property is given as a gift to someone else and is the method for determining the basis for future tax payments. The carryover basis is commonly used in estate planning when transferring property to future heirs. It determines the value of the property at the beginning of the period and is used to determine the tax rate that must be paid on capital gains when the asset is sold.
An asset allocation strategy that seeks to maximize capital appreciation, or the increase in value of a portfolio or asset over the long term. Portfolios with the goal of capital growth consist mainly of equities. The exact proportion of equities to the total portfolio will vary according to the individual investor's investment horizon, financial constraints, investment goals and risk tolerance.In general, a capital growth portfolio will contain approximately 65-70% equities, 20-25% fixed-income securities and the remainder in cash or money market securities. While seeking high returns, this mixture still somewhat protects the investor against a severe loss in portfolio value if the higher-risk equity portion of the portfolio takes a plunge.Note that an aggressive portfolio strategy also aims to maximize capital growth, but of the total portfolio value, these strategies are of considerably higher risk; sometimes consisting entirely of equities!
The specific taxes assessed on investment capital gains as determined by the U.S. Tax Code. When a stock is sold for a profit, the portion of the proceeds over and above the purchase value (or cost basis) is known as capital gains. Capital gains tax is broken down into two categories: short-term capital gains and long-term capital gains. Stocks held longer than one year are considered long term for the treatment of any capital gains, and are taxed a maximum of 15% depending on the investor's tax bracket. Stocks held less than one year are subject to short-term capital gains at a maximum rate of 35% depending again on the investor's tax bracket. The huge difference between the short-term and long-term rates makes it clear that paying close attention to the tax consequences of investing in stocks is a critical skill to develop. As an investor's portfolio grows, he or she should increasingly keep track of capital gains, including making adjustments near the end of the calendar year to reduce capital gains taxes as much as possible. An accountant or investment professional can assist in these efforts.
An employee benefit plan that allows staff to choose from a variety of benefits to formulate a plan that best suits their needs. Cafeteria plan options may include health and accident insurance, cash benefits, tax advantages and/or retirement plan contributions. Also known as "cafeteria employee benefit plan" or "flexible benefit plan". Similar to a cafeteria where individuals select their food of choice, employees may choose benefits of their choice. These plans become more useful as diversity within workforces continues to grow. For example, the benefit needs of young families may differ greatly from those of a single person.
The ability to direct trading within a brokerage's offering through a retirement plan such as a 401(k). As opposed to being limited to the investment options within a sponsored 401(k), some investors have the option to set up a "window", which allows them to trade most listed stocks, mutual funds and exchange-traded funds. May also be known as a "self-directed account" (SDA) or "self-directed brokerage account" (SDBA). The brokerage window is a relatively new convention, but it is quickly gaining popularity as more companies give the option to their employees. While the freedoms of a brokerage window are too much for some investors to consider, it is a viable option for those who understand the increased risks of individual security selection and asset allocation.
1. A term that refers to a temporary period in which access is limited or denied.2. A period of around 60 days during which employees of a company with a retirement or investment plan cannot modify their plans. Notice must be given to employees in advance of a pending blackout. 1. This term is often in regards to contracts, policies and business activities. For example, when a political party is unable to advertise for a set amount of time before an election.2. In a firm, a blackout period may happen because a plan is being restructured or altered, for example, if a pension fund is shifting from one fund manager to another at a different bank.
A reduction in the amount of benefit payments received by a member of a retirement plan which may result when the member owes money to the plan. A benefit offset is intended to adjust the retirement benefits the plan member receives, given the overdue contributions the member should have paid in the past. Essentially, the overdue contributions owed by the member are deducted from his or her retirement payments to ensure they are paid to the plan. This type of offset can also occur if the member is receiving retirement benefits from sources other than the plan. The U.S. Social Security Act provides for the withholding of up to 10% of a plan member's benefits to compensate for funds owed to the plan.
The benefit allocation method is a means of funding a pension plan where a single premium payment is made in order to fund a single unit of benefit for a specified period of time, typically one year (or other specifies unit of time) of recognized service with the employer. A pension plan is a type of retirement plan where an employer makes contributions to a fund that an employee receives upon retirement. The specifics for each company's benefit allocation method would be included in the company's employee benefits plan. With the benefit allocation method, the plan specifies that for each unit of service (each year, for example) an employee will receive a certain amount (either a dollar amount or a specified percentage of salary) towards an employee pension plan. Higher paid employees with longer service typically receive a greater benefit. The employer can then make a payment into a plan such as a deferred annuity on behalf of the employee.