Sale price minus cost basis
Enter your capital gain.
Total taxable income including this gain
Enter your taxable income.
0% if no state income tax
Over 1 year = preferential rates
Federal Capital Gains Tax
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⚠️ Tax Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on 2026 IRS brackets. Your actual tax depends on your complete return, deductions, credits, AMT, and other factors. Consult a licensed CPA or tax advisor. Not legal or tax advice.
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Sources & Methodology
2026 capital gains tax brackets per IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-28 and IRS Publication 550.
IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-28 — 2026 Inflation Adjustments
Official 2026 capital gains tax thresholds, standard deductions, and bracket inflation adjustments. irs.gov
IRS Publication 550 — Investment Income and Expenses
Official IRS guidance on capital gains, holding periods, cost basis, and tax rates. irs.gov/publications/p550
IRC Section 1411 — Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT)
3.8% NIIT applies to net investment income above $200,000 (single) / $250,000 (MFJ) MAGI.
Long-term gains: 0% / 15% / 20% based on taxable income bracket
Short-term gains: taxed as ordinary income (10%-37%)
NIIT: 3.8% on lesser of NII or (MAGI - threshold)
Total federal = LT/ST rate + NIIT (if applicable)
State tax: flat rate applied to total gain
Short-term gains: taxed as ordinary income (10%-37%)
NIIT: 3.8% on lesser of NII or (MAGI - threshold)
Total federal = LT/ST rate + NIIT (if applicable)
State tax: flat rate applied to total gain
Federal Tax = Capital Gain x Rate + NIIT
Example: $50,000 long-term gain, single, $120,000 income.
LT rate = 15% (income $48,350–$533,400 bracket).
Tax = $50,000 x 15% = $7,500
No NIIT (income below $200,000). Total federal = $7,500
LT rate = 15% (income $48,350–$533,400 bracket).
Tax = $50,000 x 15% = $7,500
No NIIT (income below $200,000). Total federal = $7,500
Last reviewed: April 2026
2026 Capital Gains Tax Rates and Brackets
Capital gains tax rates in 2026 depend on two factors: holding period (short-term vs long-term) and taxable income. Long-term gains (assets held over one year) receive preferential rates of 0%, 15%, or 20%. Short-term gains are taxed at your ordinary income rate, which can reach 37% at the top bracket.
In addition to the base rate, high-income earners face the 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT) on top of their capital gains rate, bringing the maximum effective federal capital gains rate to 23.8%.
2026 Long-Term Capital Gains Tax Brackets
| Rate | Single | Married Filing Jointly | Head of Household |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0% | Up to $48,350 | Up to $96,700 | Up to $64,750 |
| 15% | $48,350 – $533,400 | $96,700 – $600,050 | $64,750 – $566,700 |
| 20% | Above $533,400 | Above $600,050 | Above $566,700 |
💡 NIIT Thresholds (2026): The 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax applies when Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) exceeds $200,000 (single), $250,000 (married filing jointly), or $125,000 (married filing separately). The NIIT applies to the lesser of net investment income or the excess MAGI above the threshold. Maximum combined rate: 20% + 3.8% = 23.8% federal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Long-term (held 1+ year): 0%, 15%, or 20% based on income. Single: 0% up to $48,350; 15% up to $533,400; 20% above. Short-term: taxed as ordinary income (10%–37%).
Short-term: held 1 year or less → ordinary income rates (10%–37%). Long-term: held more than 1 year → preferential rates (0%, 15%, 20%). The exact date matters: a one-day difference can change your rate significantly.
Net Investment Income Tax: 3.8% surcharge on investment income (including capital gains) for high earners. Applies when MAGI exceeds $200K (single) or $250K (MFJ). Can raise max federal rate to 23.8%.
Primary residence: $250K/$500K gain excluded if lived there 2 of last 5 years. Remaining gain taxed at long-term rates (0%, 15%, 20%) + NIIT if applicable. Investment property: full gain taxed; depreciation recaptured at 25%.
IRS treats crypto as property. Selling, trading, or spending crypto triggers capital gains. Held 1+ year: long-term rates. Held under 1 year: short-term (ordinary income rates). Each transaction is a taxable event.
Selling investments at a loss to offset capital gains. Losses offset gains of the same type first, then the other type, then up to $3,000 of ordinary income per year. Remaining losses carry forward. Wash-sale rule: cannot repurchase substantially identical security within 30 days.
Most states tax capital gains as ordinary income. No state income tax: FL, TX, NV, WA, WY, SD, AK, TN, NH (on wages). California: up to 13.3%. New York: up to 10.9%. Check your state’s specific rules.
Inherited property gets stepped-up cost basis to fair market value at date of death. You only owe gains on appreciation after inheritance. Long-term rates apply regardless of how long the deceased held it.
(1) Hold 1+ year for long-term rates. (2) Harvest tax losses. (3) Use IRA/401k/HSA accounts. (4) Use primary residence exclusion. (5) Donate appreciated assets to charity (avoid gains entirely). (6) Qualified Opportunity Zone investments defer gains.
No. This provides estimates based on 2026 IRS brackets. Your actual liability depends on your complete return, deductions, and AMT. Consult a licensed CPA or tax advisor for filing advice.
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