But if you have "unrealized gains" tax you should also have "unrealized losses" tax deduction.
Also, instead of Apple try imagining NVIDIA: their stock went up like 1000% in two years, they are now a trillion dollar company. If they had to pay tax on that it would bankrupt them. Or, they could use all their cash + borrow some money against the stocks to pay tax. But then the stock can suddenly crash 90% and the lenders, seeing how their collateral is now 90% down might start demanding repayment of the loans, again, bankrupting the company.
"Unrealized gains" tax simply does not make sense. It's just greedy government attempt to squeeze more money from businesses.
Also, instead of Apple try imagining NVIDIA: their stock went up like 1000% in two years, they are now a trillion dollar company. If they had to pay tax on that it would bankrupt them. Or, they could use all their cash + borrow some money against the stocks to pay tax. But then the stock can suddenly crash 90% and the lenders, seeing how their collateral is now 90% down might start demanding repayment of the loans, again, bankrupting the company.
"Unrealized gains" tax simply does not make sense. It's just greedy government attempt to squeeze more money from businesses.