Question

Capital gains may be preferred by investors over dividends even if dividends and capital gains are taxed at the same rate because
a. taxes on dividends are withheld immediately
b. taxes on capital gains are paid annually
c. taxes on capital gains can be timed
d. after-tax dividends are less certain than capital gains

Answer 1

Answer: c. taxes on capital gains can be timed

Explanation:

Capital gains represent an appreciation in the value of a security therefore they bring in profit to the owners of that security. Capital gains are not taxed until the owner sells the security which means that these taxes can be timed by the owner who can decide to sell at specific times to reduce their tax bill.

This is different from dividends that are taxed as soon as the company declares them. The investors have no say as to the tax timing so they will prefer capital gains where they have some form of control.