Long Term Capital Gains Tax

Long term capital gains tax is a tax on all long term gains in equities. It is normally taxed at a much lower rate than short term gains.

In the US the long term capital gains tax is 5% if you are in the 15% or lower tax bracket or 15% if you are in a higher tax bracket. However the long term tax would be at 0% or lower between 2008-2010 if you are in the 15% or lower tax bracket.

Here are how other countries currently tax long term gains.

Argentina No Tax

Brazil 15%

Canada Capital gains are taxed at the same rate as normal income tax, however only 50% of capital gains is realized. So if you are in the 30% tax bracket you will get taxed 15% on capital gains.

France

16%

Germany No tax if you hold an equity for over 1 year.

UK 18%

Remember tax laws are constantly changing always consult a tax advisor to see how much you owe in taxes.