By David D’Albero
We’ve all heard the pitch before: Certificates of Deposit (CDs) are the go-to for safety-conscious investors. Fixed returns, FDIC insurance, no market volatility – what’s not to love?
Well… it depends who you are.
For many investors, CDs do offer a sense of predictability. But for high-income earners – especially those living in high-tax states like New York, New Jersey, or California – the numbers may tell a very different story.
And as I often tell clients at Strata Capital: just because something feels “safe” doesn’t mean it’s actually smart.
In this post, we’ll break down what CDs really deliver after taxes, why they might be quietly costing you more than you realize, and what alternatives may offer more strategic, tax-conscious value.
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Why CDs Seem So Popular
Let’s start with the appeal. For many investors, especially those in retirement or looking for simplicity, CDs have long been considered a financial comfort food — low maintenance and predictable.
Here are a few reasons CDs are still widely used:
- Guaranteed Returns – Your principal is secure, and you receive a fixed interest rate over a set period.
- No Market Risk – Unlike equities or bonds, CDs are not impacted by market fluctuations.
- Set-It-and-Forget-It Simplicity – No ongoing decisions, rebalancing, or second-guessing.
For someone in a lower tax bracket, that all sounds pretty appealing – and in certain cases, CDs still make sense. But if you’re a high-income professional with a six- or seven-figure income, here’s the piece that often gets missed:
CDs are taxed as ordinary income – not capital gains – which could cut your returns nearly in half.
Let’s Do the Math: A CD’s True Return
Let’s take a simple example.
Say you invest $100,000 in a CD earning 5% interest annually. That’s a $5,000 return in gross income.
Now, let’s assume you live in New York and you’re in the top tax bracket.
Here’s how that interest income might be taxed:
- Federal Income Tax (37%) = $1,850
- State Income Tax (~6%) = $300
- Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT, 3.8%) = $190
- Total Tax = $2,340
So, what’s your real return?
$5,000 – $2,340 = $2,660 net, or just 2.66%.
And if you live in New York City, where local taxes tack on another layer, your effective return could drop to 2.5% or less.
The Hidden Tax Trap of CDs for High Earners
To be clear, CDs aren’t bad – they’re just often not efficient for high earners. The issue isn’t the product itself; it’s how it fits (or doesn’t) within your larger financial picture.
CDs can be deceptively simple. But what they offer in peace of mind, they often take back in lost after-tax performance – particularly when you have a higher income, more complex tax exposure, and access to more efficient options.
This is especially true when other strategies exist that allow you to retain more of what you earn without taking on undue risk.
Smarter Alternatives: Municipal Bonds & U.S. Treasuries
If capital preservation and income are your goals – and tax efficiency is a concern (it should be) – it may be worth considering:
1. Municipal Bonds (Munis)
Municipal bonds are issued by state and local governments, and they offer one major advantage: interest income is generally exempt from federal income tax.
And if you purchase muni bonds issued by your state of residence? You may avoid state and local taxes as well.
Let’s compare:
- A CD yielding 5% may net you 2.5%–3% after taxes.
- A municipal bond yielding 3.5% tax-free is often equivalent to a 5.5%–6% taxable return for high earners.
That’s a significant difference – especially when compounded over time.
Important Note: Municipal bonds aren’t risk-free. Their performance can be impacted by the financial health of the issuing municipality, interest rate changes, and other market factors. It’s important to evaluate the credit quality and duration of any bond you consider. At Strata Capital, we help clients assess this as part of a broader, diversified fixed-income strategy.
2. U.S. Treasuries
Another strong option for conservative, tax-conscious investors: U.S. Treasury securities.
Treasuries are:
- Backed by the U.S. government (arguably the safest credit risk available)
- Exempt from state and local income taxes
- Frequently competitive with CD yields
In high-tax states, this state tax exemption can have a meaningful impact on your net return – again, especially for top earners.
So, Who Should Still Consider CDs?
CDs can still serve a purpose for certain investors. For example:
- Those in lower tax brackets
- Individuals with very short-term savings goals
- Investors with a low risk tolerance who want full FDIC protection
- People who need a specific cash flow ladder and value principal guarantees
But if you’re reading this and you’re a corporate executive, business owner, or high-income professional in a high-tax environment, you likely have better options.
The Bottom Line: Efficiency Matters More Than “Safety”
The financial world is full of products that seem safe but don’t actually serve your goals when viewed through a tax-aware, comprehensive lens. CDs fall squarely into that category for many affluent investors.
At Strata Capital, we specialize in helping high-income earners make better financial decisions – not just based on yield or risk, but on how each piece of your financial puzzle fits together. That includes evaluating the tax impact, coordinating with your CPA, and crafting investment strategies that align with your lifestyle and goals.
Because at the end of the day, it’s not about chasing the highest number – it’s about keeping more of what you earn and simplifying your financial life with smart, intentional choices.
Want a quick, visual explanation of everything we’ve covered here?
👉 Watch now on YouTube
Disclosures & Compliance Notes
This content is provided for educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, tax, or legal advice. All investments carry risk, and past performance is not indicative of future results. The examples provided are hypothetical and do not guarantee any specific outcome. Before making any financial decision, please consult with a licensed professional who understands your unique financial situation.
Need Help Reviewing Your Investment Strategy?
At Strata Capital, we offer concierge-level financial planning designed specifically for high-income professionals. If you’re navigating stock options, deferred compensation, or just trying to cut through the noise of conflicting financial advice – we’re here to help.
Reach out for a consultation, and let’s explore a more efficient path forward.