Hope you don't mind me chiming in, I had to see an accountant on another matter and I questioned her on the windfall that we are about to get.  If we make anywhere near the amount that I expect, we will be at the top of the rates.  It was exactly what I read on taxes.about.com. for any and all Stocks, mutual funds, bonds, etc. sold within a year.  What bites, is the additional 3.8% Medicare Contribution Tax, plus in the state of NC, we have a 7% tax plus .75% if you make over 100,000 in a given year.  And, all of this is obviously over the taxes that you are paying on your regular income.  It's nuts.  IMO, GLTY.