In the real world of business management ownership you can only create income in 2 basic ways. These two income methods are taxed differently by good ‘ol Uncle Sam.
The first method income is “earned” income. Let’s say I’m a graphic artist and you hire me to create a logo. I design the logo and you pay me $250. That is earned income to me (assuming it goes to me and not into a corporation). The $250 goes into my gross income and I pay tax on it as high as 35% federal and depending on what state you live in, it could be over 45%. So your $250 of earned income (assumes no state tax) is worth only $162.50 in your pocket.
The second method is capital gains income. Capital Gains can be generated in many ways. Let’s look at a simple example. You get on Ebay and find a great bike for $100, you buy it. Then a year later you’re riding around the block on your $100 bike and a guy stops you and offers you $350 on the spot. You take it and walk home! You made $250 (same as if you designed a logo above) but this is capital gains and your tax on that is only 15% of your gain ($350 rec’d – $100 paid = $250 gain). Your tax for this is $37.50 and your net in pocket is $212.50.
You get to keep $50 more if you earned your money through capital gains income. This is just another reason why accumulating capital is important to long term wealth…if you have capital you can manage your taxes a lot better than if you only have earned income.
When running your business think of all the ways to build value that is taxed at 15% instead of 35%…over time it could be a lot more money in your pocket. Talk to your CPA to see if you have opportunities to maximize the availability of the capital gains tax rates.
Mr. Elliott is Managing Director of Sunbelt Texas Business Sales & Acquisitions with more than 20 years experience in mergers, acquisitions and business broker. Mr. Elliott purchased Sunbelt Houston in 1996 and has managed the sale of over 500 companies from very small businesses to companies with revenue of more than $30,000,000. Mr. Elliot has provided Business Broker and merger and acquisition adviser services to privately held business in Houston, Austin, San Antonio and throughout Texas.
Over a 20 year career, he has handled a wide range of industries including manufacturing, distribution, medical, machining, construction, and contractors. Mr. Elliott has completed transactions with Private Equity Groups, strategic buyers and a wide range of regional companies executed plans to grow through acquisitions.
Mr. Elliott has been recognized as a “Thought Leader” by Sunbelt Business Brokers Global Network. Mr. Elliott is frequently interviewed in various media and is considered an expert in the field of buying and selling privately held businesses.
Mr. Elliott has received the professional designations of Certified Business Intermediary (CBI) and Master Merger & Acquisitions Intermediary (MMAI).
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