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Collectibles face special tax rules

Thinking of selling part of your memorabilia collection or investing in an exchange traded gold fund? While these items are generally considered capital assets, tax rules can differ from those that apply to other investments.

Differences include:

  • Special long-term capital gain tax rate. The maximum federal capital gain tax rate for sales of collectibles you own more than a year is 28%. The actual rate you pay may vary.

    For example, say your entire 2010 capital gain is from the sale of a collection of antiques you've owned for two years. You're single and your taxable income is in the 15% bracket (up to $34,000). You'll pay tax on the gain at the lower 15% rate.

    A reminder: The zero-percent federal long-term capital gain rate in effect during 2010 for the 10% and 15% tax brackets does not apply to collectibles.
  • Rules for certain exchange traded funds. Exchange traded funds (ETFs) are securities similar to mutual funds. Some ETFs invest in collectibles such as gold and other precious metals. Depending on the structure of the ETF, gains from sales of your shares may be taxable at the 28% capital gain tax rate.

    The same result could occur when the ETF itself sells gold or other metals.

Whatever you collect, please call to discuss the tax consequences. We're here to help with planning, inventory, appraisals, and basis issues.

For more information, contact Ross Rizzo at 212-404-5528, rrizzo@sb-cpa.com.

"Tax Tips" are published weekly to provide current tax information, tax-cutting suggestions, and tax reminders. If you would like more information on anything in "Tax Tips," or if you'd like to be on our mailing list to receive other tax information from time to time, please contact our office.

The tax information contained in this site is of a general nature and should not be acted upon in your specific situation without further details and/or professional assistance.

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