Bonds can be taxable or tax-free – here’s your guide to the different types and calculating what’s due on them

Bonds are divided into 2 classes: tax-exempt and taxable. While their capital gains are constantly taxable, the interest they make might not be. baona/Getty Images .Bonds and mutual fund create 2 kinds of earnings: interest and capital gains.Interest earnings from a bond might be tax-exempt or taxable, depending upon the kind of bond.Capital gains from…

Dividends are taxed in different ways – here’s how to figure what you owe on your stocks’ payouts

Dividend income is taxable, but the rate varies, depending on how long you've owned the stock shares that pay the dividends. Tempura/Getty Images Dividends from stocks or funds are taxable income, whether you receive them or reinvest them. Qualified dividends are taxed at lower capital gains rates; unqualified dividends as ordinary income. Putting dividend-paying stocks…