How can I lower the taxes on my taxable brokerage account over time?

A handful of habits compound into real savings. First, favor tax-efficient holdings like broad index ETFs that throw off mostly qualified dividends and few capital gains distributions. Second, hold winners more than a year so gains are taxed at long-term rates, and route bonds, REITs, and high-turnover funds into your IRA or 401(k) through smart asset location. Third, harvest losses in down markets to offset gains and up to $3,000 of income, and use specific-identification to sell your highest-basis lots first. Fourth, give appreciated shares instead of cash when you donate, and consider gifting low-basis stock to family in lower brackets. Finally, in low-income years, harvest gains inside the 0% bracket to reset your basis tax-free. Pull these together at wealthserene.com/tools/tax-strategies.