CoinTalk

A 12-foot golden statue of Trump holding a Bitcoin just showed up outside the U.S. Capitol. Is this just political street art, a signal about crypto’s growing influence in U.S. politics, or the birth of the next meme coin?

I’m a renter trying to understand what water backup coverage means and why it might be important for me. I’ve heard about water sewer backup and how it can cause damage, but I’m not sure if my renters insurance covers it or if I need to add extra protection. Also, how much coverage should I get to be safe without overpaying? I live in the U.S. and want to avoid costly repairs from unexpected water damage like sewer backups or sump pump failures.

Most items people own are considered capital assets. This can include investments, such as stocks, bonds, cryptocurrency, or real estate, as well as personal and tangible items like cars or boats. When you sell a capital asset for more than you originally paid, the extra money you make is called a capital gain. On the flip side, if you sell it for less than what you paid, that’s a capital loss. The difference between your total gains and losses is your net capital gain or loss. For example, if you sold one stock for a $10,000 profit and another for a $4,000 loss, your net capital gain would be $6,000.

If you’re wondering, “How much is capital gains tax?” or “How are capital gains taxed?” you’re in the right place. Understanding capital gains tax is crucial for anyone investing or selling assets in 2024. Let’s break down how it works, what the rates are this year, and how you can calculate what you owe—so you don’t get caught off guard.

What Is Capital Gains Tax and How Does It Work?

Capital gains tax is the tax you pay on the profit from selling a capital asset. The IRS taxes these gains differently depending on how long you held the asset before selling.

• Short-term capital gains tax applies if you held the asset for one year or less. These gains are taxed at your regular income tax rate, which can be as high as 37% depending on your income.
• Long-term capital gains tax applies if you held the asset for more than one year. These gains get a special, usually lower tax rate.

Knowing the difference is important because holding your investment just a bit longer can save you a lot in taxes.

Capital Gains Tax Rate 2024: What You Should Expect

In 2024, the long-term capital gains tax rates are generally 0%, 15%, or 20%, based on your taxable income. If you’re in a lower income bracket, you might pay no tax on your gains at all. For middle-income earners, 15% is the most common rate, while high earners pay 20%.

Short-term capital gains, however, are taxed as ordinary income. This means your gains could be taxed at rates ranging from 10% up to 37%, depending on your total income.

Remember, some states also tax capital gains, so check your local tax rules to avoid surprises.

How Much Is Capital Gains Tax? A Simple Example

Let’s say you bought $5,000 worth of cryptocurrency in January 2023 and sold it for $8,000 in March 2024. That’s a $3,000 gain. Since you held it for more than a year, it’s a long-term gain.

If your taxable income puts you in the 15% capital gains tax bracket, you’d owe $450 in federal taxes on that gain. But if you sold it before holding it a year, you’d pay your ordinary income tax rate on the $3,000, which could be much higher.

How to Estimate Your Capital Gains Tax With a Calculator

Want to avoid surprises when tax season hits? Use a capital gains tax calculator. These tools let you enter your purchase price, sale price, holding period, and income to estimate your tax bill instantly.

A popular and easy-to-use option is the SmartAsset Capital Gains Tax Calculator. It’s free and helps you see how timing and income impact your taxes. This way, you can plan your sales better and keep more money in your pocket.

Tips to Reduce Your Capital Gains Tax Bill

• Offset gains with losses: If you have investments that lost money, you can sell them to offset your gains, lowering your taxable amount.
• Avoid the wash sale rule: Don’t sell an asset at a loss and buy it back within 30 days, or you won’t be able to claim that loss.
• Use tax-advantaged accounts: Investments inside IRAs or 401(k)s grow tax-deferred or tax-free, so you won’t owe capital gains tax until you withdraw (or sometimes never).
• Hold assets longer: Waiting just over a year to sell can reduce your tax rate significantly.
• Plan your income: Since capital gains tax rates depend on your income bracket, managing your income can sometimes lower your tax rate.

Why Knowing Capital Gains Tax Matters

Whether you’re a casual investor or actively trading stocks, crypto, or real estate, understanding capital gains tax is key to maximizing your profits. The difference between short-term and long-term tax rates alone can save you thousands of dollars.

Plus, using tools like capital gains tax calculators and following smart tax strategies can help you avoid surprises and keep more of your hard-earned money.

Final Thoughts: Stay Ahead of Your Taxes in 2024

Capital gains tax might seem complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. Keep track of how long you hold your investments, understand the rates for 2024, and use calculators to estimate your taxes before you sell. With a little planning, you can reduce your tax bill and make smarter investment decisions.

In the race for dominance in the new world of spot Bitcoin ETFs, two clear titans have emerged: Fidelity and BlackRock. Their respective funds, the Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (FBTC) and the iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), have attracted the lion's share of investor capital and media attention. For an investor who has decided that the ETF path is right for them, the choice often comes down to these two giants. While the products are remarkably similar by design, there are a few subtle but important differences that could influence your decision. This guide will break them down for you.

The Deciding Factor for Many: Fees and Expense Ratios

For most long-term investors, cost is a primary concern. Both Fidelity and BlackRock knew this and launched their ETFs with extremely competitive fees. Both funds carry a base expense ratio of 0.25%, which translates to a $25 annual fee for every $10,000 invested. However, to attract initial capital, both also launched with aggressive, temporary fee waivers. It is crucial to check the current status of these waivers, but the key takeaway is that both funds are very closely matched and are among the lowest-cost options available for gaining Bitcoin exposure in a brokerage account.

Behind the Scenes: Custody of the Actual Bitcoin

A critical, though often overlooked, difference lies in how each fund secures its underlying asset. Fidelity utilizes its own in-house, proprietary custody solution, Fidelity Digital Assets. This represents a vertically integrated approach where the same trusted company that manages the fund also physically secures the Bitcoin. BlackRock, on the other hand, has partnered with Coinbase Custody, a subsidiary of the well-known crypto exchange, to act as the custodian for IBIT's Bitcoin holdings. Your choice here comes down to a matter of trust: do you prefer the self-contained ecosystem of a traditional finance giant, or do you trust a crypto-native specialist to secure the assets?

Market Adoption and Fund Size

Since their launch, both FBTC and IBIT have been incredibly successful, accumulating billions of dollars in assets under management (AUM). This high level of AUM is a positive sign for investors in either fund, as it ensures deep liquidity and very tight trading spreads, meaning you can buy and sell shares easily at a fair market price. While both are leaders, IBIT has generally maintained a lead in total inflows, making it the largest of the new spot Bitcoin ETFs. However, both are more than liquid enough for any retail investor's needs.

The Verdict: How to Choose Between FBTC and IBIT

The truth is that for the average investor, the differences between FBTC and IBIT are minimal. Both are offered by world-class asset managers, both have very low fees, and both will track the price of Bitcoin with near-perfect accuracy. The decision will likely come down to your personal preferences. Do you already have a brokerage account with Fidelity, making FBTC the more convenient choice? Do you have a preference for Fidelity's in-house custody model versus BlackRock's partnership with Coinbase? Ultimately, you cannot make a "wrong" choice between these two. The more fundamental decision is choosing the ETF structure itself, as detailed in our guide: [Bitcoin ETF vs. Buying Directly: Which Is Right for You?].

Whether you choose the ETF path or the path of direct ownership, making an informed decision is the key to a sound investment strategy.

Robinhood just listed Toncoin ($TON) for U.S. traders, beating Coinbase to the punch. Given TON's deep ties to Telegram's 900 million+ user base, is it really a game-changer, or just another coin getting temporary hype?

Starting or growing an LLC? One of the biggest challenges many entrepreneurs face is securing funding. If you’re wondering how to get a business loan with an LLC or how to get a loan for an LLC, you’re not alone. Finding the right LLC loans can make a huge difference in your business success. In this guide, we’ll explore the best business loans for LLCs, how to qualify, and tips to improve your chances of approval.

What Are LLC Loans and Why Are They Important?

An LLC (Limited Liability Company) is a popular business structure because it offers liability protection and tax flexibility. But when it comes to financing, banks and lenders often treat LLCs differently than sole proprietors or corporations. LLC business loans are loans specifically designed or available to LLCs to fund startup costs, expansion, equipment, or working capital.

Getting a loan for your LLC helps you:

• Build business credit separate from your personal credit.
• Access larger loan amounts.
• Protect your personal assets from business liabilities.
• Grow your business faster with the right capital.

Best Business Loans for LLC: Types to Consider

When searching for the best business loans for LLC, you’ll find several options:

1. Traditional Bank Loans

Banks offer competitive interest rates and terms but often require strong credit scores, business history, and collateral. If your LLC is established with good financials, this is a solid choice.

2. SBA Loans for LLCs

The Small Business Administration (SBA) guarantees loans made by approved lenders to LLCs. SBA loans have low interest rates and long repayment terms, making them one of the best business loans for LLC owners. However, the application process can be lengthy.

3. Online Business Loans

Online lenders provide fast access to capital with more flexible requirements. These loans are great for new LLCs or those with less-than-perfect credit but usually come with higher interest rates.

4. Business Lines of Credit

A line of credit gives your LLC flexible access to funds when you need them. You only pay interest on what you use, making it ideal for managing cash flow or unexpected expenses.

5. Equipment Financing

If your LLC needs to purchase equipment, this loan type uses the equipment as collateral, often with easier approval and lower rates.

How to Get a Business Loan with an LLC: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Establish Your LLC Properly

Make sure your LLC is registered with your state, has an EIN (Employer Identification Number), and a business bank account. This separates your business from personal finances and builds credibility.

Step 2: Build Your Business Credit

Lenders often check your business credit score. You can start building credit by opening trade lines with suppliers or getting a business credit card.

Step 3: Prepare Financial Documents

Gather your LLC’s financial statements, tax returns, bank statements, and a solid business plan. Lenders want to see your ability to repay the loan.

Step 4: Research the Best Lenders

Look for lenders that specialize in LLC loans or offer products suited to your business size and industry.

Step 5: Apply and Negotiate Terms

Submit your application with all required documents. Don’t hesitate to negotiate interest rates, repayment terms, or fees.

Loans for New LLCs: What You Need to Know

Getting loans for new LLCs can be challenging because lenders prefer businesses with a proven track record. However, options exist:

• Microloans: Smaller loans (usually under $50,000) with easier qualifications.
• Online lenders: More flexible but higher rates.
• Personal loans or credit cards: Use cautiously to fund your LLC.

Building personal credit and showing a clear business plan can improve your chances.

Tips to Improve Your Chances of Getting LLC Business Loans

• Keep your personal and business finances separate.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records.
• Pay bills and debts on time to boost credit scores.
• Start with smaller loans to build credit history.
• Work with lenders experienced in LLC financing.

Final Thoughts on LLC Loans

Securing loans for LLC can be a straightforward process if you prepare well and choose the right lender. Whether you’re looking for the best business loans for LLC or need advice on how to get a loan for an LLC, understanding your options and requirements is key.

You've gone down the crypto rabbit hole. You understand that a decentralized network isn't run by a single company, but by a global community. And you know that the computers powering this community are called nodes.

This leads to a very logical and exciting question: if you contribute your own computer and run a node, will the network pay you for it?

The direct answer, in most cases, is no. Running a standard, non-specialized crypto node does not earn you direct financial rewards.

But don't click away. Understanding why this is the case is one of the most important lessons in crypto. It will help you avoid scams and see where the real opportunities are. Let's break it down.

The Role of a Standard Node: The Volunteer Librarian

Think of a standard full node (like a Bitcoin Core node) as a volunteer librarian for the network. Its job is to:

• Hold a full copy of the blockchain (the entire library of books).
• Check new transactions to make sure they follow the rules (ensure the books are legitimate).
• Share this information with others.

These librarians are essential for the health, security, and integrity of the network. But they are volunteers. They do it to support the project, for enhanced personal security, or for the ideological belief in decentralization. They do not receive a "paycheck" from the network.

So, Who Does Get Paid? The Specialized Nodes

This is where the confusion usually starts. There are two special types of nodes that do get paid, because they perform an extra, energy-intensive job: creating new blocks.

As you can see, getting paid requires a significant investment in either specialized hardware (for mining) or a large amount of capital (for staking).

A Warning: The "Nodes as a Service" (NaaS) Trap

You have likely seen projects that let you "buy a node" and promise very high daily returns (e.g., 1% per day).

You must be extremely cautious. Many of these projects are not selling you true, productive blockchain nodes. They are often Ponzi schemes that use the money from new investors to pay the promised returns to earlier investors. When the new money dries up, the project collapses, and investors lose everything. Always ask the critical question: "Where is the revenue that pays for this yield actually coming from?"

The Real Benefit

While a standard node won't make you rich, it provides you with the highest level of financial self-sovereignty and security possible. It's a powerful tool, but not a direct source of income.

Instead of trying to earn from a standard node, a more direct strategy is to invest in the robust cryptocurrencies that are secured by thousands of them.