Capital losses can be used to offset capital gains. If there are excess losses, they can be used to offset up to $3,000 of ordinary income ($1,500 for married persons filing separately), which includes interest on bonds that are not tax-exempt. Any excess loss can be carried forward indefinitely and used in the same manner.
A portion of earnings withheld by an employer or put into a retirement plan for distribution to the employee at a later date. If certain legal requirements are met, the deferred amount is not taxable until actually paid, for example, after retirement.