De Minimis Tax Rule

Dictionary Says

Definition of 'De Minimis Tax Rule'

A rule that states that capital gains tax must be paid on a bond if the bond was purchased at a discount to the face value in excess of a quarter point per year between the time of acquisition and maturity. The reason for the capital gains tax is that the bondholder gains on the difference between the price paid and the price received at maturity, which is considered a capital gain.
Investopedia Says

Investopedia explains 'De Minimis Tax Rule'

To determine whether a bond is subject to this tax, calculate the amount of full years between the discounted bond's purchase date and the maturity date and multiply this by 0.25. Subtract the calculated amount from the bond's par value. If this amount is above the purchase price of the discount bond, the purchased bond is subject to capital gains tax.

For example, if you are looking at a 10-year bond with a par value of 100 and five years left until maturity, simply multiply five years by 0.25 to get 1.25. You then subtract the 1.25 from the par value to get the de minis cut off amount, which in this example is 98.75 (100-1.25). If the price of the discount bond you purchased is below 98.78 per 100 of par value you will be subject to capital gains tax under the de minimis tax rule.

Related Definitions

  • Municipal Bond

    A debt security issued by a state, municipality or county to finance its capital expenditures. Municipal bonds are exempt from federal taxes and from most state and local taxes, ...
    Read More »
  • Discount

    The condition of the price of a bond that is lower than par. The discount equals the difference between the price paid for a security and the security's par value.
    Read More »
  • Secondary Market

    A market where investors purchase securities or assets from other investors, rather than from issuing companies themselves. The national exchanges - such as the New York Stock Exchange ...
    Read More »
    • Discount Bond

      A bond that is issued for less than its par (or face) value, or a bond currently trading for less than its par value in the secondary market. The "discount" in a discount bond doesn't ...
      Read More »
    • Capital Gains Treatment

      The specific taxes assessed on investment capital gains as determined by the U.S. Tax Code. When a stock is sold for a profit, the portion of the proceeds over and above the purchase ...
      Read More »
    • Capital Gain

      1. An increase in the value of a capital asset (investment or real estate) that gives it a higher worth than the purchase price. The gain is not realized until the asset is sold. A ...
      Read More »
    • Luxury Automobile Limitations

      An annual limit on the amount of depreciation that can be taken on a luxury car used for business purposes. This amount is indexed each year for inflation. The purpose of luxury ...
      Read More »

Articles Of Interest

Partner Links