[net.invest] Corporate Savings Plans and Tax Help Wanted

fhb@hou2f.UUCP (F.BUTLER) (09/25/84)

< "Its money that I love" - Randy Newman (and others)>

I would like some advice as to the different methods I can use for my
company savings plan investments with regards to taxes.  The plan matches
2/3 of my investment (up to a certain % of my salary) as long as I leave
the money in for 3 years.  There are different investment options including
company stock, a stock mutual fund, guaranteed interest (annuity), and
government type investments.  I have not made any withdrawals yet.  

One strategy I know of and am following is to pay taxes on the money invested
in the plan.  Upon withdrawal, I will not pay any taxes until my withdrawals
exceed my contributions.  Question, when I reach this point, is this money 
taxed as a capital gain or as ordinary income?  Does it make a difference
according to which investment option I was in?  Along these lines, if I
receive a distribution of stock shares as opposed to cash, does this make a 
difference in what is taxable and at what rate?

I would also appreciate any help with the above questions and any information
on other strategies that can be used with savings plans of this type.  Ideally
I would like to defer taxes on the money invested until I withdraw it to take
advantage of the earning power of the money I'm currently paying in taxes. 

One last comment, please try to keep the suggestions within the law or at least
questionable legality.

Thanks,
Tim Tierney