Capital Gains Tax Calculator
Estimate your capital gains tax on investments, stocks, or property. Calculate short-term and long-term capital gains based on US federal tax rates.
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How Capital Gains Tax Works
Capital gains tax applies when you sell an asset (stocks, bonds, real estate, crypto) for more than you paid for it. The tax rate depends on how long you held the asset and your income level.
Short-term capital gains (assets held 1 year or less) are taxed as ordinary income at your marginal federal tax rate (10-37%).
Long-term capital gains (assets held more than 1 year) receive preferential rates:
- 0% for lower income levels (up to ~$47,025 single)
- 15% for most taxpayers
- 20% for high earners (above ~$518,900 single)
Capital losses can offset capital gains. If losses exceed gains, you can deduct up to $3,000 per year from ordinary income and carry forward remaining losses.
Note: This calculator estimates federal capital gains tax only and does not include state taxes or the 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT) that may apply to high earners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Short-term capital gains apply to assets held for 1 year or less and are taxed at your ordinary income tax rate (up to 37%). Long-term capital gains apply to assets held for more than 1 year and are taxed at preferential rates of 0%, 15%, or 20%.
Capital losses can offset capital gains dollar-for-dollar. If your losses exceed your gains, you can deduct up to $3,000 of the net loss from ordinary income per year and carry forward any remaining losses to future years.
No, this calculator only estimates federal capital gains tax. Many states also tax capital gains as regular income. A few states like Washington have separate capital gains taxes.
Yes, notable exemptions include the primary residence exclusion (up to $250,000 single / $500,000 married for homes owned and lived in for 2+ of the last 5 years), and gains within tax-advantaged accounts like 401(k) and IRA are tax-deferred or tax-free.
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