It's September – and that means it's prime time to think about maximizing after-tax returns as the year winds down. Of course, there may be a price to pay for that performance: Uncle Sam will want his share of taxes. Here are a few steps that could help you hold onto more of your portfolio's returns this year. Munis spin out income that's free of federal taxes, and they may be exempt from state levies if the investor resides in the issuing state. By directly giving low basis highly appreciated stock (instead of selling the position and donating cash proceeds), you avoid incurring the capital gains tax.

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