US Capital Gains Tax Calculator
Calculate federal capital gains tax on stocks, mutual funds, real estate, and crypto — short-term vs long-term.
Transaction
Capital Gains Tax
Tax Owed
$2,250
Long-term @ 15%
Gain
$15,000
Type
Long-term
Net Proceeds
$22,750
Short-term vs long-term
Held ≤ 1 year = short-term capital gain, taxed at your ordinary income rate (10-37% federal). Held > 1 year = long-term, taxed at the much lower LTCG rates: 0%, 15%, or 20% depending on total income.
2026 LTCG brackets (projected)
- 0% — single ≤ $48,350 / MFJ ≤ $96,700
- 15% — single $48,351 – $533,400 / MFJ $96,701 – $600,050
- 20% — above those thresholds
High earners (above $200k single / $250k MFJ MAGI) also owe an additional 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax.
Tax-loss harvesting
Losses can offset gains dollar-for-dollar. Up to $3,000 of net capital loss per year can offset ordinary income. Excess carries forward indefinitely. Watch for the wash-sale rule (can\'t rebuy the same security within 30 days).
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know, in one place.
How are US capital gains taxed?
Short-term gains (≤1 year) are taxed at your ordinary income rate (10-37%). Long-term gains (>1 year) enjoy preferential rates: 0% if taxable income is below ~$48k single / ~$97k MFJ, 15% for most taxpayers, 20% at the top bracket.
What is the Net Investment Income Tax?
An additional 3.8% tax on investment income for high earners (above $200k single / $250k MFJ MAGI). Applies to capital gains, dividends, interest, rental income.
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