How Asset Location Can Boost After Tax Returns

Research summary

July 24, 2026 When it comes to building long-term wealth, most investors rightly focus on asset allocation. But a complementary strategy—asset location or strategically placing assets across different account types to maximize tax efficiency—can add up to 0.3% annually in after-tax returns for certain well-diversified investors, according to Vanguard research. While this effect is modest compared with asset allocation, even small improvements in tax efficiency, coupled with decades of compounding, can translate into meaningful wealth accumulation.

Asset allocation is the investor’s North Star—the strategic mix of stocks and bonds that aligns with their risk tolerance, time horizon, and investment goals. This is the primary driver of long-term returns and portfolio risk. Asset location, in contrast, refers to where to place your assets by account type to improve after-tax outcomes, such as: Tax-deferred accounts like traditional IRAs and 401(k) plans. Roth accounts that offer tax-free growth. Taxable brokerage accounts, where interest, dividends, and capital gains may create ongoing tax drag.

Notes: Vanguard simulations indicate that, for certain well-diversified investors, asset location across taxable and tax-advantaged accounts can add up to 30 basis points (0.3%) in annual after-tax returns. Source: Vanguard paper, When and how asset location matters.

Asset location creates the most value under specific conditions. According to the research, the benefit is greatest when investors have: A balanced asset allocation. If a portfolio is heavily weighted toward one asset class, there's limited opportunity for strategic placement. Meaningful balances in both taxable and tax-advantaged accounts. Without both account types, there's little room to optimize. Time for benefits to compound. The value of asset location grows over time as tax savings accumulate. For early career investors with most savings in a 401(k), asset location may add only modest value initially. But as balances diversify across account types and allocations become more balanced, that benefit can increase meaningfully.

The most fundamental asset location principle? Place taxable bonds in tax-advantaged accounts first. Bonds generate most of their returns through interest income, which is distributed regularly and taxed at ordinary income tax rates. Unlike stock returns, which benefit from lower capital gains rates that can be deferred for years, bond income can't be postponed and doesn't receive preferential tax treatment. Holding bonds in tax-advantaged accounts such as 401(k)s or IRAs can help shield that income from annual taxation, allowing returns to compound more efficiently over time.

The research offers several key guidelines for implementing asset location strategies: Stay on target. Strategic asset allocation remains the priority. Compromising allocation for tax efficiency can be far more damaging than imperfect asset location. Make each contribution count. Subject to liquidity needs and time horizon, invest your next dollar in tax-advantaged accounts first. Focus on major asset classes first. The largest potential gains come from placing stocks and bonds appropriately across account types. More granular decisions—like choosing between growth and value stocks—add less value. Consider municipal bonds strategically. For high-income investors holding bonds in taxable accounts, municipal bonds can provide tax-exempt income. Diversify account types. Holding both traditional and Roth accounts provides the flexibility to manage future taxes and required minimum distributions. Asset location won’t replace a sound asset allocation—but applied thoughtfully, it can help investors keep more of what their portfolios earn over time. For more details, including examples and case studies, read the research paper, When and how asset location matters. Related Links Article 6 min read How costly are missed RMDs? Dec 17, 2025 Article 6 min read Dec 17, 2025 Video 20:28 Tax-saving strategies for savvy investors Oct 15, 2025 Video 20:28 Oct 15, 2025 Article 5 min read A smarter way to build tax-aware portfolios Oct 23, 2025 Article 5 min read Oct 23, 2025 Article 5 min read A ‘BETR’ way to assess Roth IRA conversions Aug 28, 2025 Article 5 min read Aug 28, 2025 Notes: All investing is subject to risk, including possible loss of principal. Be aware that fluctuations in the financial markets and other factors may cause declines in the value of your account. There is no guarantee that any particular asset allocation or mix of funds will meet your investment objectives or provide you with a given level of income. Diversification does not ensure a profit or protect against a loss. Investments in bonds are subject to interest rate, credit, and inflation risk. Municipal bond fund distributions, including any market discount recognized by the Fund's investments, may be taxable as ordinary income or capital gains. A majority of the income dividends that you receive from the Fund are expected to be exempt from federal income taxes. However, a portion of the Fund's distributions may be subject to federal, state, or local income taxes or the federal alternative minimum tax. You should consult your own tax advisor with respect to any particular U.S. or non-U.S. tax consequences of your investment in the Fund. Withdrawals from a Roth IRA are generally tax-free if you are over age 59½ and have held the account for at least five years; withdrawals of earnings taken prior to age 59½ or five years may be subject to ordinary income tax or a 10% federal penalty tax, or both. (A separate five-year period applies for each conversion and begins on the first day of the year in which the conversion contribution is made.) Neither Vanguard nor its financial advisors provide tax advice. This information is general and educational in nature and should not be considered tax advice. We recommend that you consult a tax advisor about your individual situation. Vanguard Information and Insights Subscribe to Vanguard. Get Vanguard news, insights, and timely analysis on the market, delivered straight to your inbox. Read our online privacy notice to learn about how we keep personal information private.