Hacker News Reader

No idea about the situation in Sweden but generally speaking I'd say it depends a lot on whether "income" in "income tax" also includes capital gains.

View on HN

Don't know any country where it does. In Sweden it certainly doesn't.

It doesn't but they are taxed the second you sell them off.

So cool… you're rich but if you actually want to use the money it is taxed.

Income tax and capital gains tax are two different things and two different rules sets. In Sweden income tax is max ~56% while max capital gains is 30%.

Don't forget to add the "totally not income tax" aka arbetsgivaravgift at another 30% :D

That does also not apply to capital gains.

Actually... Sweden has a large loophole for extremely rich people. Stick it all in a "Capital Insurance" product and pay a low yearly tax on the amount, rather than the gains.

It kind of makes Sweden into a low tax haven if you're only living off capital.

It does not, in Sweden.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com