Capital Gains Tax Calculator (US)
Calculate US long-term and short-term capital gains tax on stocks, real estate, and other assets.
Shows federal tax owed based on your income bracket.
Capital Gains Tax — US Federal
When you sell an asset for more than you paid, the profit is a capital gain. The US taxes capital gains at different rates depending on how long you held the asset and your total taxable income.
Short-term vs Long-term:
| Holding period | Tax treatment |
|---|---|
| 12 months or less | Short-term — taxed as ordinary income (10%–37%) |
| More than 12 months | Long-term — taxed at preferential rates (0%–20%) |
2024 Long-term capital gains tax rates (single filers):
| Taxable Income | Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 – $47,025 | 0% |
| $47,026 – $518,900 | 15% |
| Over $518,900 | 20% |
2024 Long-term capital gains tax rates (married filing jointly):
| Taxable Income | Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 – $94,050 | 0% |
| $94,051 – $583,750 | 15% |
| Over $583,750 | 20% |
Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT): An additional 3.8% applies if your MAGI (Modified Adjusted Gross Income) exceeds:
- $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married filing jointly)
How capital gain is calculated: Capital Gain = Sale Price − Cost Basis − Selling Expenses
The cost basis is what you originally paid, including commissions and fees. Improvements to real estate also increase basis.
State taxes: This calculator covers federal only. Most states also tax capital gains — rates vary widely from 0% (Texas, Florida) to 13.3% (California).
Important: This is an estimate for planning purposes only. Consult a tax professional for advice specific to your situation.