Lesson

After-tax yield represents the actual return on an investment after accounting for taxes.

Practice Question #1

Which of the following investments is most likely to have a higher after-tax yield for an investor in a high tax bracket?

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Terms

After-tax yield:
The return on an investment after accounting for taxes.

Practice Question #2

How can an investor calculate the taxable equivalent yield of a tax-exempt investment?

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Do Not Confuse With

Taxable equivalent yield:
The yield an investor would need to earn on a taxable investment to equal the after-tax yield of a tax-exempt investment.

Practice Question #3

Which type of tax is most relevant when considering the after-tax yield of a fixed-income investment?

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Historical Example

In the 1980s, municipal bonds became increasingly popular among high-income investors due to their tax-exempt status. This led to a surge in demand for these bonds, driving their prices and lowering their yields. As a result, many investors began to compare the after-tax yields of municipal bonds to those of taxable bonds to determine which investment offered the best return.

Practice Question #4

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Real-World Example

An investor in the 35% tax bracket is considering two bond investments: a taxable corporate bond with a yield of 6% and a tax-exempt municipal bond with a yield of 4%. To compare the after-tax yields, the investor calculates the taxable equivalent yield of the municipal bond: 4% / (1 - 0.35) = 6.15%. In this case, the municipal bond offers a higher after-tax yield than the corporate bond.

Practice Question #5

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Formulas to Remember

After-tax Yield = Taxable Yield * (1 - Tax Rate)

Practice Question #6

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Formula Examples

An investor has a taxable yield of 6% on a fixed-income investment and is in the 25% tax bracket. Calculate the after-tax yield. 1. Identify the taxable yield: 6% 2. Identify the tax rate: 25% 3. Calculate the after-tax yield: 6% * (1 - 0.25) = 6% * 0.75 = 4.5% The after-tax yield is 4.5%.

Practice Question #7

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Pitfalls to Remember

Tax Rate Changes:
The formula assumes a constant tax rate. If the investor's tax rate changes, the after-tax yield will also change.
State and Local Taxes:
The formula does not account for state and local taxes, which may also affect the after-tax yield.

Practice Question #8

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Practice Question #9

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