Originally Posted by dynalow

Ah yes,

The 15% rate on quyalifying dividends and long term capital gains. WGAS. Not Romney, Warren Buffet, Bill Gates. I'm sure none of them said, skip it, I'll pay the 35%. And if Romney did earn $370,000 in speaking fees in any year, his effective tax rate was certainly more than 15%. As you know that's "ordinary income". We'll know for sure when the tax returns are released.
$370,000 in speaking fees? Probably chump change in comparison to what some high profile ex-presidents and public figures make. I don't see that coming back to bite him. Shucks, that's only a grand a day.

And, lest we forget, it only exists today thanks to being extended by legislation passed by Democrats and signed into law by Obama (12/10). I counseled a number of people to take dividends in 2009 & 2010, because the "Bush tax cuts" were schdeuled to expire 12/10.
But take comfort in the realization, it will die come Dec. 31. I told my cardiologist this morning I was going to have to dust off that sermon for this year.