Capital Gains Tax Calculator

Capital gains taxes apply when you sell an investment — stocks, bonds, real estate, crypto, collectibles — for more than you paid. How much you pay depends on how long you held the asset and your total income.

Short-term vs long-term

Hold for one year or less, and gains are short-term, taxed as ordinary income at rates up to 37%. Hold for more than one year, and they qualify as long-term, taxed at preferential rates of 0%, 15%, or 20%. Waiting one extra day can save you 10–20 percentage points.

2026 long-term capital gains brackets

For single filers, gains stack on top of your ordinary taxable income: 0% up to $47,025, 15% up to $518,900, and 20% above. Married joint thresholds are roughly doubled. High earners may also owe the 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT) on top.

State capital gains

Most states tax capital gains as ordinary income, with no preferential rate. A few — Washington, for example — have specific capital gains taxes. Nine states have no income tax at all and so don't tax capital gains.

Strategies to reduce capital gains tax

Hold for over a year. Harvest losses to offset gains. Use tax-advantaged accounts like IRAs and 401(k)s where gains aren't taxed until withdrawal. Donate appreciated stock to charity — avoid the gain and get a deduction. Time sales for low-income years to fall in the 0% bracket.