TAX · INVESTMENTS

Capital Gains Tax Calculator

Estimate your capital gains tax based on purchase price, sale price, holding period, and income. Covers both long-term and short-term rates for 2026.

LAST REVIEWED · APR 10, 2026 · BY M. REYES, CPA
You need
$30,000
InvestmentReset
Purchase Price
$50,000
$0$1M
Sale Price
$80,000
$0$1M
Holding Period
Other Taxable Income
$75,000
$0$500K
Filing Status
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Long-term vs. short-term

The IRS defines long-term as assets held for more than one year. Long-term gains get preferential rates (0%, 15%, or 20%), while short-term gains are taxed at your ordinary income rate — which can be as high as 37%.

2026 long-term rates

  • 0% — single filers up to $48,475 taxable income
  • 15% — $48,475 to $533,800
  • 20% — over $533,800

Strategies to reduce capital gains tax

Hold investments for at least a year to qualify for long-term rates. Use tax-loss harvesting to offset gains. Consider qualified opportunity zones for large gains. And remember that assets held until death receive a stepped-up basis.

Methodology. Long-term capital gains (assets held over one year) are taxed at preferential rates: 0%, 15%, or 20% based on taxable income. Short-term gains are taxed as ordinary income using 2026 marginal brackets. Net Investment Income Tax (3.8%) is not included in this simplified calculator.

Sources

  • IRS Topic 409 (Capital Gains and Losses)
  • IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-11 (2026 rate thresholds)
  • IRC Section 1(h) (capital gains rates)
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Frequently asked questions

Do I owe capital gains tax on my primary residence? +
You can exclude up to $250,000 of gain ($500,000 if married filing jointly) on the sale of your primary residence if you've lived there for at least 2 of the last 5 years. Gains above the exclusion are taxed at capital gains rates.
What about the 3.8% net investment income tax? +
High earners (AGI over $200K single / $250K married) may owe an additional 3.8% NIIT on investment income. This calculator does not include it — add 3.8% to your rate if you're above those thresholds.
How are crypto gains taxed? +
Cryptocurrency is treated as property by the IRS. The same long-term and short-term capital gains rules apply. Each trade, sale, or exchange is a taxable event.
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