Capital Gains Tax Calculator
Data Notice: Figures, rates, and statistics cited in this article are based on the most recent available data at time of writing and may reflect projections or prior-year figures. Always verify current numbers with official sources before making financial, medical, or educational decisions.
Capital Gains Tax Calculator
Tax information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute tax advice. Consult a licensed tax professional for your specific situation.
Use this free calculator to estimate how much capital gains tax you will owe on stocks, cryptocurrency, real estate, and other investments in 2026.
Calculate Your Capital Gains Tax
[CALCULATOR WIDGET PLACEHOLDER]
Enter the following:
- Purchase price (cost basis)
- Sale price
- Holding period (short-term: 1 year or less / long-term: more than 1 year)
- Your filing status
- Other taxable income (to determine your bracket)
- State (for state capital gains estimate)
The calculator shows:
- Total capital gain or loss
- Short-term or long-term classification
- Applicable federal tax rate
- Estimated federal capital gains tax
- Net Investment Income Tax (3.8%) if applicable
- Estimated state capital gains tax
- Total estimated tax on the gain
2026 Capital Gains Tax Rates
Short-Term Capital Gains (Held 1 Year or Less)
Taxed at your ordinary income tax rate: 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, or 37%.
Long-Term Capital Gains (Held Over 1 Year)
| Filing Status | 0% Rate | 15% Rate | 20% Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | Up to ~$48,350 | ~$48,351 – ~$533,400 | Over ~$533,400 |
| Married Filing Jointly | Up to ~$96,700 | ~$96,701 – ~$600,050 | Over ~$600,050 |
| Head of Household | Up to ~$64,750 | ~$64,751 – ~$566,700 | Over ~$566,700 |
Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT)
An additional 3.8% applies if your MAGI exceeds $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (MFJ).
Example Calculations
Example 1: Stock Sale (Long-Term)
| Detail | Amount |
|---|---|
| Purchase price | $10,000 |
| Sale price | $25,000 |
| Capital gain | $15,000 |
| Holding period | 18 months (long-term) |
| Other taxable income | $70,000 (single) |
| LTCG rate | 15% |
| Federal tax on gain | $2,250 |
| NIIT | $0 (under threshold) |
| Total federal tax | $2,250 |
Example 2: Crypto Sale (Short-Term)
| Detail | Amount |
|---|---|
| Purchase price | $5,000 |
| Sale price | $15,000 |
| Capital gain | $10,000 |
| Holding period | 6 months (short-term) |
| Other taxable income | $80,000 (single) |
| STCG rate | 22% (marginal bracket) |
| Federal tax on gain | $2,200 |
| Total federal tax | $2,200 |
Example 3: Home Sale (Primary Residence)
| Detail | Amount |
|---|---|
| Purchase price | $300,000 |
| Sale price | $550,000 |
| Capital gain | $250,000 |
| Primary residence exclusion | $250,000 (single) |
| Taxable gain | $0 |
| Total federal tax | $0 |
Special Situations
Multiple Sales
If you have both gains and losses, they offset each other:
- Short-term gains offset short-term losses first
- Long-term gains offset long-term losses first
- Net short-term and long-term results offset each other
- Up to $3,000 in net losses deductible against ordinary income
Real Estate Depreciation Recapture
If you sell rental property, accumulated depreciation is recaptured at a 25% rate, separate from the capital gains rate on the remaining profit. See Tax Deductions for Real Estate Investors.
Collectibles
Long-term gains on collectibles (art, coins, antiques) are taxed at a maximum 28% rate.
Strategies to Reduce Capital Gains Tax
- Hold for more than one year to qualify for long-term rates
- Use the 0% bracket if your income is low enough
- Harvest losses to offset gains
- Donate appreciated assets to charity
- Use a 1031 exchange for real estate
- Maximize the primary residence exclusion ($250K single / $500K married)
For comprehensive strategies, see Capital Gains Tax Guide: Short-Term vs Long-Term Strategies.
Key Takeaways
- Long-term capital gains (held over 1 year) are taxed at 0%, 15%, or 20% — far lower than ordinary income rates
- Short-term gains are taxed at your regular income tax rate (up to 37%)
- The 3.8% NIIT applies to high earners on top of the capital gains rate
- Losses offset gains dollar-for-dollar, and up to $3,000 of net losses can be deducted against ordinary income
- The primary residence exclusion can eliminate up to $500,000 in gains for married couples
Next Steps
- Read the full Capital Gains Tax Guide: Short-Term vs Long-Term Strategies for detailed strategies
- Crypto investors: see Crypto Tax Guide 2026: Reporting Requirements and Strategies
- Real estate investors: see Tax Deductions for Real Estate Investors
- File with TurboTax vs H&R Block vs FreeTaxUSA 2026
- Get personalized advice — Find a CPA Near You