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How to use the Capital Gains Tax Calculator
- 1Enter what you paid and what you sold for, plus fees.
- 2Choose how long you owned it and your other income.
- 3Pick your filing status and state to see the total tax.
2026 long-term capital gains rates
Assets held for more than a year are taxed at 0%, 15% or 20%, depending on your total taxable income (including the gain). Short-term gains are taxed as ordinary income at your normal tax rate.
| Rate | Single | Married filing jointly | Head of household |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0% | Up to $49,450 | Up to $98,900 | Up to $66,200 |
| 15% | $49,451 – $545,500 | $98,901 – $613,700 | $66,201 – $579,600 |
| 20% | Over $545,500 | Over $613,700 | Over $579,600 |
Ways to reduce capital gains tax
- Hold investments for more than a year to qualify for long-term rates.
- Sell losing investments to offset gains (tax-loss harvesting); up to $3,000 of extra losses can offset other income each year.
- Realize gains in low-income years when they may fall in the 0% bracket.
- Use 401(k)s and IRAs, where gains aren't taxed each year.
- Homeowners can exclude up to $250,000 of gain on a main home ($500,000 married) if they meet the ownership and use tests.
Sources & review
Figures last checked in October 2026 against the official sources below. Long-term gains stacked on ordinary taxable income through the 0/15/20% bands; state tax as the change in state income tax.
- IRS Topic 409: Capital gains and losses
- IRS: Net investment income tax
- IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32 (2026 tax brackets and deductions)
Results are estimates for general information, not financial, tax or legal advice. How we check our tools
Frequently asked questions
Do I pay state tax on capital gains?
Most states tax capital gains as regular income. States with no income tax (such as Texas and Florida) don't, and Washington has a separate tax on very large long-term gains.
What is the net investment income tax?
An extra 3.8% on investment income, including capital gains, for people with income over $200,000 ($250,000 married filing jointly). The thresholds are not adjusted for inflation.
How are crypto gains taxed?
The IRS treats cryptocurrency as property, so selling, swapping or spending it is taxed the same way as selling shares: short-term or long-term depending on how long you held it.