Shelly Is in the 24 Percent Tax Bracket and Expects

Essay

Shelly is in the 24 percent tax bracket and expects to remain in that bracket in the future. She has $100,000 to invest for 5 years and has the following alternatives: (a) corporate bonds paying 7 percent; (b) tax-exempt bonds paying 4.5 percent; (c) land that is expected to increase in value to $140,000 in 5 years. Interest on either the corporate bonds or the tax-exempt bonds can be reinvested at 7 percent interest. Any gain on the sale of the land will be eligible for the 15 percent long-term capital gain tax rate. Calculate the after-tax return for each investment. Which investment do you recommend she choose?