14 best tax-free investments to build an efficient portfolio

Tax-efficient investing: What exactly does that mean? 

Tax-efficient investing is making the right investing decisions to minimize tax liability in favor of long-term portfolio growth. This is often maxing out contributions to retirement accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs, but there are other ways to make tax-saving investments, such as with mutual funds, municipal bonds, and more.

Taxes should be considered before each investment decision, as they will significantly impact your return on investment. Yet, people usually overlook taxes.

To fully understand the potential of tax-free investments, you need to understand just how many different opportunities there are to lower your tax bill.

Luckily, we’ll dive right in to explore the best tax-advantaged investments available to most people today. We’ll cover their benefits, contribution limits, and eligibility requirements that determine whether or not you can capitalize on them.

14 tax-free investment opportunities to juice your portfolio

We’ll start with the basics and move into more unique options for tax-free investment opportunities like funds, easements, and trusts.

Roth IRAs, Roth 401(k) plans, or conversions

Roth retirement plans are a handy financial tool that can help you grow your wealth tax-free. Typically, you’d choose a Roth account over a traditional retirement account if you anticipate that your earnings will be higher when you reach retirement age than they are now – that is, you anticipate paying more taxes in retirement than currently.

Roth IRAs are the cozy, familiar piggy bank where you squirrel away money for retirement. But the magic here is that you throw in after-tax dollars that take advantage of compound growth – all free of taxes. This means when you retire and head out to sip a margarita on a beach somewhere, the money you pull out (including earnings) is all yours from this tax-free account.

Roth 401(k) plans are employer-sponsored alternatives to an IRA. You stash your hard-earned cash there and watch your contributions grow tax-free. When you’re ready to retire, the money you take out is tax-free, too. It’s like telling the tax person, “Sorry, not today, pal!”

Now, Roth conversions are more like a financial makeover. If you have a traditional IRA or 401(k), you can convert it into a Roth account. You’ll pay taxes on the converted amount now, but down the line, all those sweet earnings are tax-free when you retire.

Take heed of these tips before diving into the world of Roth accounts.

1. Start early! Your future self will thank you for it.
2. Consider your risk tolerance. Don’t go all-in on the stock market if you can’t stomach the rollercoaster ride. You can put bonds in your Roth IRA for a lower-risk investment.

Municipal bonds

Municipal bonds are like financial worker bees that help you support your community while making a little green for yourself.

Imagine you’re at a garage sale, but instead of old junk, you’re buying some of your city’s biggest projects (like bridges, schools, or sparkly new playgrounds). A municipal bond lets you lend money to your state or local government, and in return, they pay you back with interest.

First, you buy a bond, and the government promises to repay you the initial amount (the principal) plus interest over time. And the cool part? That interest is usually tax-free when it comes to federal income taxes as well as state taxes in most cases.

Tips for success? You got it!

1. Do your homework and research your municipality’s financial health. You wouldn’t buy a house without first checking its foundation, right?
2. Remember that bonds can tie up your money for a while unless you purchase them in an ETF, so make sure your financial timelines match up and you’re not in a place where you can’t access cash. You can also sell bonds to free up cash, albeit at a higher cost.
3. Watch your yield. After-tax yield is priced in to municipal bonds, and the after-tax yield might not actually be higher than the after-tax yield of a different bond.
4. Keep an eye on interest rates. They can jolt the bond market and leave you with less money in your pocket.
5. Stay cool when the market dances. Bonds might not be as flashy as stocks, but they can be more stable in the long term.

Tax-exempt mutual funds

Picture this: You’ve got a bunch of investors pooling their money into a big pot, and a fund manager takes this cash and invests it in bonds issued by cities, states, or other government entities.

These bonds are the government’s way of asking for a loan, promising to pay it back with a little extra interest. And here’s the sweet part – the interest from these bonds is usually tax-exempt at the federal level, rendering it invisible to the tax collector’s gaze.

Essentially, you buy shares in this tax-exempt mutual fund, and your cash gets sprinkled into a basket of these tax-free bonds. As the bonds pay interest, you get a slice of that pie. It’s like a double rainbow, where you can enjoy tax-free interest and potential investment growth.

Of course, there are some considerations regarding mutual funds.

1. Consider your goals. Do you want income or growth? Different funds have different styles.
2. Know the state of the bond market. It can be as unpredictable as the weather, so stay informed if you can.
3. Look at net asset value. When compared to ETFs (which we’ll touch on below), mutual funds are less liquid, usually have a higher investment minimum, and can have higher expenses associated with purchasing them.

Tax-exempt exchange-traded funds (ETFs)

Tax-exempt ETFs bear some similarities to mutual funds. You buy shares in a tax-exempt ETF, along with other investors, and your money goes toward a stash of tax-free government bonds. As the bonds cough up interest, you get a piece of the action. And, of course, that interest is usually tax-free, too.

There are a few key differences that distinguish a mutual fund from an ETF:

ETF are more liquid than mutual funds, and are one way to diversify your portfolio.

Naturally, we’ve got a few tips for you if you’re intrigued by ETFs.

1. Understand your investment goals. Whether you’re looking for more income or seeking growth, different ETFs can help you find what you’re looking for.
2. Watch the markets. Just like mutual funds, ETFs rely on unpredictable bond markets.
3. Stay patient and don’t look for quick outs. Investing isn’t a sprint but a marathon!

Health savings accounts (HSAs)

HSAs are sneaky financial pirates that help you stash loot for medical expenses without that stash incurring taxes.

Every month, you stash pre-tax dollars in a tax-free health savings account that grows over time. But this stash is only for health-related expenses. Doctor visits, prescriptions, even those pesky co-pays – they’re all fair game.

You’ll team up with an HSA provider who will give you a debit card for these medical expenses. If you don’t use all the funds this year, they’ll roll over in a never-ending cycle of financial health.

Like any opportunity, this tax-free investment has some tips to best take advantage of it:

1. Max out your contributions. The more money you stash in an HSA, the more you save on taxes by lowering your taxable income.
2. Invest your account. Some HSAs allow you to invest your stockpile, letting it grow even more! However, this can come with additional risks, like losing out on your investment.
3. Keep all your receipts! Even if you pay out-of-pocket at the doctor today, you can reimburse yourself later from your HSA.
4. Save it for retirement. If you make purchases with the funds after age 65, you'll owe taxes but no early withdrawal penalties.
5. Be prepared – medical expenses are unpredictable. Having a chunky HSA can help you weather unexpected storms.

529 plans

If you’re the proud parent of a future academic scholar, 529 plans can make saving for education feel like a walk in the park.

529 plans allow you to stash after-tax dollars and watch them grow tax-free. The funds are earmarked for your little scholar’s academic future – college tuition, textbooks, even that ridiculous hat they’ll wear at graduation. You can even use 529s to pay for K-12, certificate programs, and trade school.

You’ll pick a 529 plan, usually sponsored by your state, and fund it over time. The funds will grow with compound interest and be free from taxes once it’s time to withdraw as long as they’re used for applicable education expenses. If you use them for anything else, you’ll owe taxes and be assessed a penalty. It’s not a savings account, but rather a tax-sheltered brokerage account.

529 plans are pretty straightforward, but these tips will help your child get the most out of it when it comes time for them to head off to school.

1. Start early. Time is your ally when it comes to compounding interest.
2. Choose an automatic investment to consistently contribute and keep the growth strong.
3. Be smart about withdrawals. You can withdraw up to, but not more than, the cost of qualified education expenses before the tax person comes a-callin’.

Indexed universal life (IUL) insurance

IUL insurance is like a financial safety net that moonlights as a treasure chest. It offers protection and growth all in one.

If you’re the captain of your financial ship, then an IUL insurance policy is a map leading you to a safe harbor. You pay into a policy that does two things: First, contributions go toward providing life insurance protection for your loved ones. Then, the rest is invested in a stock market index fund, like the S&P 500.

If that index gets a little bumpy, you’ll have a safety harness in the insurance policy. When the market surges, you get to share in the spoils, and when it stumbles, your protection kicks in to keep your loved ones safe and sound.

There’s no shortage of tips, either, when balancing life insurance with your investment goals.

1. Consider your net worth. IUL can be expensive with very costly fees, and the money you invest is locked up for a long time with a significant penalty if you need to access it. IULs therefore aren’t suitable for people who aren’t already wealthy.
2. Know your goals and aim to understand the trade-off between life insurance protection and potential investment growth.
3. Know your index. The performance of your investment is linked to it, so be sure you can stomach the ebb and flow.

Donor-advised funds (DAFs)

Donor-advised funds are investments that help feed your inner charitable giver.

You start by contributing to a fund of your choosing. Then you make grants to your favorite causes over time. Your initial contribution to the fund qualifies you for an instant tax deduction. Your donated assets may also be invested, in which case you won’t pay taxes on any of that growth – you also don’t get to keep it, since you’ve earmarked it for charity, but that’s more money you can donate.

DAFs are good for donating large positions with significant appreciation – like company stock — or bundling cash donations into one year. You can lock in the value of the shares and claim your deduction on the assessed amount.

These tips will help you set off the right path before sending money to different charitable organizations.

1. Choose your fund wisely. Research fees and investment options so your fund grows at a healthy rate. After all, you want to provide the most impact possible.
2. Create a giving strategy. Which causes tug most at your heartstrings? Having a set plan can help you make a bigger impact and avoid hesitations about which charity gets what amount of money.
3. Make grants wisely. Ensure your grants align with your values and that the receiving organizations are credible.
4. Involve your family! Turn this opportunity into a legacy by teaching your children about the joys of giving.

Conservation easements

This tax-free investment option is like donning a superhero cape to save the environment and picking up some tax savings along the way.

‍Conservation easements are legal agreements that protect a piece of land as an environmental haven. You have to work with a land trust or government agency to create the easement; they’ll ensure your land is protected even if you decide to sell it. And by helping out Mother Nature, you might also get a tax deduction.

As with any tax-saving measure that relies on government cooperation, there are a few tips you need to consider before declaring an easement in the name of conservation.

1. Find the right partner. Work with a reputable land trust or agency to create a solid agreement.
2. Consider any possible future changes. Make sure the easement aligns with your land’s potential future uses. You won’t be able to develop on the land without amending or extinguishing the easement and paying taxes on the property once again.
3. Involve your family. If they’ll inherit the land, get them on board with your conservation plans.
4. Consult an environmental guide. An advisor can help you navigate the ins and outs of creating a successful easement.

Environmental tax credits

Environmental tax credits are like a high-five from Uncle Sam for being an eco-friendly champion. You’re not just saving the Earth – you’re saving money, too.

These credits are rewards for taking eco-smart actions. If you make green upgrades to your home or invest in planet-friendly projects, you might be eligible for a reduced tax bill, almost like a carbon footprint discount.

These investments include solar panels, energy-efficient windows, or wind turbines. The IRS can, in turn, grant you tax savings for qualifying investments. For example, solar panels can net you a double-digit percentage tax credit, although they’re expensive to install and maintain.

To nab these lucrative tax savings, you need to heed a few tips:

1. Seek environmental guidance. Experts can guide you on the best ways to maximize your credits.
2. Embrace the long-term. Many credits are netted out over several years, so don’t expect instant savings.
3. Spread the word! Tell your friends and family about these credits to help them take advantage of the tax savings, too.

Irrevocable trusts

Irrevocable trusts are vaults that allow you to lock away assets for a noble cause, whether it’s securing your family’s future, supporting a charity, or passing on your treasures while avoiding a major tax bill.

You start by choosing assets to shelter in your trust, like investments, property, or even cherished heirlooms like artwork. But once the trust is established, it can’t be changed unless specifically mentioned within the rules of the trust or a court is granted authority to do so. It is a vault that seals these assets away for future use – except the vault is also tax-advantaged.

Once you create the trust, you appoint a trustee to manage it according to your wishes.

Since someone else will manage your trust and you can’t change it once it’s established, you need to be very careful about setting it up.

1. Be crystal-clear with your instructions. Outline your intentions and rules for the trust to avoid any mix-ups.
2. Choose your trustee wisely; they’ll be responsible for honoring your wishes after you pass away.
3. Weigh your choices. Decide if the benefits of locking away your assets outweigh the loss of control and ownership.
4. Update your story. Life evolves, so revisit your trust to ensure it aligns with your goals. Though it usually can’t be changed, there are ways to do so, like terminating the trust entirely and starting over.

Other tax-free trusts

There are near-countless other ways to make smart, tax-advantaged investments to plan for your and your loved ones’ futures. Here are a few more types of trusts that can help limit your overall tax liability.

Charitable remainder trusts

You contribute assets (like investments) to a fund. That fund pays an income stream to loved ones for a set period, after which the remainder goes toward your chosen charity.

1031 exchanges

You arrange a legal contract to sell your property to a trust for installment payments. These payments can help defer capital gains taxes on property sales.

Parent-seeded trusts

Parents can form a trust for their children to pass down assets while avoiding (or lowering) state income, gift, and estate taxes.

Additional tips for tax-advantaged investing

These tips will help you plan for general tax-free investing, no matter which of the above options you feel is best for your portfolio.

1. Diversify. This is the most important way to lower risk and create a more stable early retirement plan. Spread your investments across different funds, accounts, and more to manage risk in case one fails to grow as planned.
2. Do your research. Ensure your chosen investment aligns with your goals and beliefs, whether it’s environmental upgrades, community improvements, or mutual funds. If you’re investing in a fund, get to know the fund manager and their track record.
3. Document everything. Keep receipts, contracts, and any other proof of your investments and gains for a squeaky-clean record and minimal headaches come tax season.
4. Watch out for fees and expenses that will slash the growth of your fund, account, or other investment.

Start making smarter investments now, not later.

To save for retirement, you need a strategy that works for you. Sure, there are big ideas to live by, like the 50/30/20 rule to manage your expenses and make sure enough cash is going into investments. Beyond that, your investment strategy should focus on what will grow your nest egg while eliminating unnecessary taxes and fees.

Playbook helps you take the guesswork out of investing with an automated approach that adapts to your life changes and grows with you. That way, you can spend more time focusing on what matters and less time worrying about taking advantage of the right tax credits.

‍