Slash your tax bill

You may blanch at the beating your portfolio has taken lately. But the IRS gives the situation a positive spin. The losses from stocks, bonds or mutual funds sold in 2008 can offset gains elsewhere in your portfolio. No gains? In that case, use the losses to write off up to $3,000 in ordinary income on your return. That will lower your adjusted gross income, cut the amount you owe and help you qualify for more tax credits and deductions. If your losses exceed $3,000, you can carry them forward to future returns.
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