The Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT) is a 3.8% additional tax on investment income for higher-income taxpayers. Triggered when MAGI exceeds $200,000 (single) / $250,000 (married joint). Applies to the lesser of net investment income (interest, dividends, capital gains, rental income, passive business income) or MAGI excess over threshold. Wage income doesn't trigger NIIT directly but boosts MAGI. Planning: time investment sales across years to manage thresholds, use tax-loss harvesting, increase 401(k) contributions to lower MAGI, consider municipal bonds (NIIT doesn't apply to tax-exempt interest). High earners with significant investment income face combined federal capital gains rates of 23.8% (20% + 3.8% NIIT).
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August 22, 2026 · Aditya Gupta
Tax
Related terms
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