What defines a taxable account?

A taxable account is one that is subject to taxation on income earned and capital gains realized. In such an account, any interest, dividends, or capital gains generated from the investments can incur tax liabilities. This contrasts with certain types of accounts, such as tax-deferred or tax-free accounts, where taxes are either postponed or not applicable under specific conditions.

Investors should be aware that in a taxable account, they need to report earnings annually and potentially pay taxes on distributions, which impacts their overall investment returns. Thus, understanding the tax implications of a taxable account is crucial for effective portfolio management.