Questions regarding 2020 capital gains

[york_knowlton]

Hello TT community! 

I have some questions as I mentally prepare of our 202 taxes. We are in our 60’s, have not started collecting social security, own our home and no debts, and Married filing jointly taking the standard deduction.

If at the end of the year this is what our numbers will look like:

+$40,000 - Employment income (total 2020)

+$27,000 - Withdrawal from traditional IRA (no penalties)

+$20,000 - long term capital gains

+$87,000 - Total (Income?)

-$24,800 - Standard deduction

$62,200 - Total adjusted income

From what I’ve read regarding long term capital gains - Married couples with incomes of $80,000, or less, the tax bracket for the those gains is 0%.

I’m I looking at this correctly? If so, I’d like to boost our liquid cash another 10k, avoid the capital gains tax and remain in the 12% income tax bracket.

Thoughts?

[Bsch4477]

Yes, the extra 10K will allow you to remain in the 0% bracket for capital gains tax. 

[york_knowlton · Accepted solution]

Thanks Bcsh!

Was I correct in assuming that employment income, IRA withdrawals AND capital gains all are equally included in determining our total income?

[Bsch4477]

Correct!

[york_knowlton]

Thanks again!