How much per trade to account for tax?

[Advice Pro]

I've read that 15% should be considered for tax. I think that this is too much and I also think shares do need to be accounted for as well.

[IIC]

I've read that 15% should be considered for tax. I think that this is too much and I also think shares do need to be accounted for as well.

Depends on your tax bracket...Doug

[LemonButt]

Short term gains are 5% or 15% depending on tax bracket. The fact you have money to trade means your most likely in the 15% bracket (I think the cutoff is 25% income tax bracket or higher = 15% on gains). Long term capital gains are taxed at 10% if you hold more than a year. Dividends are considered long term capital gains as well, regardless of holding period.

Taxes should be an afterthought. It's better to have a tax problem than an income problem--don't let taxes influence your trades.