Tax-Motivated Trading by Individual Investors

S-Tier
Journal: American Economic Review
Year: 2005
Volume: 95
Issue: 5
Pages: 1605-1630

Score contribution per author:

2.681 = (α=2.01 / 3 authors) × 4.0x S-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

We analyze stock trades made by individuals holding stock in both taxable and tax-deferred accounts. By comparing trades across these two types of accounts, we uncover a capital gains lock-in effect in taxable accounts. The lock-in effect is more pronounced for large stock transactions and for stocks held for at least 12 months. Over shorter horizons, the disposition effect outweighs the lock-in effect. Comparison of loss realizations in taxable and tax-deferred accounts yields evidence of tax-loss selling throughout the year. Effective accrual tax rates for stocks that experience substantial appreciation are substantially below the statutory tax rate on long-term gains.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:aea:aecrev:v:95:y:2005:i:5:p:1605-1630
Journal Field
General
Author Count
3
Added to Database
2026-01-29