I have read quite a number of articles about withdrawal rates that are 'safe'. One thing I have not seen discussed is tax implications.

One of the first things they all do is question 'How much do you need?'. My question is if this is an after tax number. Personally, I can determine my after tax requirements much easier than my before tax requirements.

Most of my money is not in tax defered accounts. This means I will incur a tax liability every year depending on how much trading I do. (I practice buy and hold mostly, but there is always some selling.) Does my tax hit come out of my 4% withdrawel rate or is this in addition to my withdrawel

My impression is that most of the writings are before tax. Also, the mix of stocks used and the expense ratio may not be close to what you have done.

The more I read and play with the numbers the higher I can get my withdrawl rate. I think a safe rate is about 6% for me. I use to think it was 4%. Problem is it is a gut feeling and who wants to be wrong?