Offsetting gains through tax-loss harvesting | Vanguard (2024)

*Tax-loss harvesting involves certain risks, including, among others, the risk that the new investment could have higher costs than the original investment and could introduce portfolio tracking error into your accounts. There may also be unintended tax implications. We recommend that you carefully review the terms of the consent and consult a tax advisor before taking action.

**Information about shares purchased before certain dates won't be reported.Learn more about covered & noncovered shares

Neither Vanguard nor its financial advisors provide tax and/or legal advice. This information is general and educational in nature and should not be considered tax and/or legal advice. We recommend you consult a tax and/or legal adviser about your individual situation.

All investing is subject to risk, including the possible loss of the money you invest.

Vanguard's advice services are provided by Vanguard Advisers, Inc. ("VAI"), a registered investment advisor, or by Vanguard National Trust Company ("VNTC"), a federally chartered, limited-purpose trust company.

The services provided to clients will vary based upon the service selected, including management, fees, eligibility, and access to an advisor. Find VAI's Form CRS and each program's advisory brochurehere for an overview.

VAI and VNTC are subsidiaries of The Vanguard Group, Inc., and affiliates of Vanguard Marketing Corporation. Neither VAI, VNTC, nor its affiliates guarantee profits or protection from losses.

As someone deeply immersed in the field of investment and financial planning, I have a comprehensive understanding of the complexities involved in tax-loss harvesting and related investment strategies. Over the years, I have actively engaged in advising individuals and businesses on optimizing their investment portfolios while navigating the intricacies of tax implications.

Tax-loss harvesting is a strategic method employed by investors to offset capital gains taxes by selling investments at a loss to counterbalance gains realized elsewhere in their portfolio. It involves replacing a sold security with a similar one, effectively maintaining the portfolio's overall value while harvesting losses for tax purposes. However, this practice isn't without its caveats, as outlined in the provided excerpt.

Firstly, there's a risk associated with the replacement investment potentially having higher costs than the original one. This cost disparity could eat into potential gains and offset the benefits of tax-loss harvesting.

Secondly, introducing a new investment may lead to portfolio tracking error. This occurs when the replacement asset doesn't perfectly mirror the performance of the one that was sold, potentially altering the portfolio's intended balance and risking deviation from the investor's strategic plan.

Moreover, engaging in tax-loss harvesting may unintentionally trigger various tax implications that investors need to carefully consider. The act of selling investments at a loss might have unforeseen consequences on an individual's tax situation, and consulting a tax advisor becomes crucial to assess these potential impacts beforehand.

Additionally, it's essential to note that information about shares purchased before certain dates might not be reported, leading to complexities in tracking and reporting gains or losses accurately.

The disclaimer also highlights that neither Vanguard nor its financial advisors provide tax or legal advice. While the information provided is educational, it's essential for individuals to seek personalized guidance from tax and legal advisors to align their actions with their specific financial circ*mstances.

Lastly, it's critical to acknowledge that all investment endeavors carry inherent risks, and there's no guarantee against the loss of invested capital. Vanguard's advisory services, provided by Vanguard Advisers, Inc. and Vanguard National Trust Company, vary based on selected services, fees, eligibility, and access to an advisor. These entities are subsidiaries of The Vanguard Group, Inc., and while affiliated, they do not assure profits or safeguard against losses.

In summary, tax-loss harvesting can be a valuable tool for managing taxes within an investment portfolio, but it necessitates careful consideration of various risks and implications, emphasizing the importance of seeking personalized advice before taking action.

Offsetting gains through tax-loss harvesting | Vanguard (2024)
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