Capital Gains Tax Calculator
Calculate taxes on investment profits from stocks, real estate, crypto, and other assets. Compare short-term vs long-term capital gains rates.
📅 Tax Year:
Calculate Capital Gains Tax
$
$
$
Your
ordinary income before this gain
How It Works
Short-Term vs Long-Term
- Short-Term (≤1 year): Taxed as ordinary income at your marginal rate (10-37%)
- Long-Term (>1 year): Preferential rates of 0%, 15%, or 20%
Long-Term Capital Gains Rates (2026)
| Rate | Single | MFJ |
|---|---|---|
| 0% | Up to $49,025 | Up to $98,050 |
| 15% | $49,025 - $539,900 | $98,050 - $606,350 |
| 20% | Over $539,900 | Over $606,350 |
Note: High earners may also owe 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT).
Examples
Example 1: LTCG, $20k Gain, $50k Income
Total taxable: $70,000 (Single)
LTCG rate: 15% on gain
Tax: $20,000 × 15% =
$3,000
Example 2: STCG, $10k Gain, 22% Bracket
Tax: $10,000 × 22% = $2,200
Frequently Asked Questions
What is cost basis?
Cost basis is what you paid for the asset, including purchase price
plus commissions and fees. For inherited assets, it's typically the fair market value at the
date of death (stepped-up basis).
How is the holding period calculated?
The holding period starts the day after you acquire the asset and
ends on the day you sell. It must exceed one year for long-term treatment.
What about crypto and NFTs?
Cryptocurrency is treated as property. Gains from crypto sales are
taxed as capital gains, short-term or long-term depending on holding period.
Can capital losses offset gains?
Yes! Capital losses offset capital gains. If losses exceed gains,
you can deduct up to $3,000 against ordinary income per year, carrying forward excess
losses.
What is the 0% LTCG rate?
If your taxable income (including the gain) stays within the 0% LTCG
threshold, you pay no federal tax on those long-term gains. Great for lower-income years or
strategic selling.
Do I owe state tax too?
Most states tax capital gains as ordinary income. Some states have
no income tax. Check your state's rules.
Use Cases
- Estimate federal tax before selling stocks, ETFs, or mutual funds to plan your after-tax proceeds.
- Compare short-term vs long-term holding strategies to see how holding period affects your tax bill.
- Plan year-end tax-loss harvesting by calculating gains that need to be offset.
- Evaluate the tax impact of selling rental property or a second home.
- Project crypto or NFT sale taxes before executing a trade on an exchange.
Assumptions & Limitations
- This calculator estimates federal capital gains tax only; state and local taxes are not included.
- The 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT) is not automatically added; high earners should account for it separately.
- Cost basis adjustments such as wash-sale disallowances, stock splits, or return-of-capital distributions are not modeled.
- Results assume a single asset sale; netting across multiple lots or assets requires additional analysis.
- Tax brackets and LTCG thresholds are based on IRS-published figures and may change with future legislation.
- This tool is for educational and planning purposes only and does not constitute tax advice. Consult a qualified tax professional for your specific situation.
Sources & References
- IRS Topic No. 409 – Capital Gains and Losses
- IRS Schedule D (Form 1040) Instructions
- IRS Publication 550 – Investment Income and Expenses
- IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-11 – Inflation-Adjusted Tax Items
- IRS Topic No. 559 – Net Investment Income Tax
Tax rates and thresholds are updated for the 2026 tax year. Always verify current figures on IRS.gov before making financial decisions.