[quote=no_such_reality]Minor nit. That $250k isn’t on gains it’s on any income. So if you’re a two wage earner family with $250k of w2, every penny of capital gains gets the surcharge.[/quote]
Yes, the threshold $200k/$250k is on total modified AGI.
The 3.8% surcharge, however applies to investment income portion though, not on the “salaried/wage” income portion.
Also, if you’re 70 years old+ and taking mandatory distributions on your IRA, this looks like the last year QCD directly from your IRA in it’s current form withn allowed with it’s tax treatment, unless the government decides to extend that.
*Might* be helpful if you’re in the $400k+/year gain this year and subjecting yourself to a 20% capital gain tax instead of 15%. My understanding is with QCD, you can make a direct donation from your IRA and actually reduce your taxable income, since QCD distribution is not considered income. That might end up bumping you down to the 15% capital gains bracket, and your taxes might be slightly less if you happen to be on the borderline…
