Capital Gains Tax Calculator
Estimate the 2026 federal tax on a stock, crypto or property sale, with 0%/15%/20% long-term rates, short-term rates and the 3.8% NIIT.
How capital gains are taxed
Your capital gain is the sale price minus your cost basis (what you paid plus fees). How it is taxed depends on how long you held the asset:
- Long-term (more than one year): taxed at 0%, 15% or 20%, depending on your total taxable income.
- Short-term (one year or less): taxed as ordinary income at your regular bracket, from 10% to 37%.
2026 long-term capital gains brackets
| 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 |
The thresholds apply to taxable income, including the gain, which sits on top of your other income. High earners also pay the 3.8% net investment income tax on investment income above $200,000 of modified AGI ($250,000 for joint filers).
A single filer with $85,000 of wages sells stock bought for $20,000 for $50,000. Held more than a year, the $30,000 gain is taxed at 15%: $4,500. Sold within a year, it is taxed at 22% as ordinary income: $6,600.
Ways to reduce capital gains tax
- Hold for more than a year to qualify for long-term rates.
- Harvest losses: losses offset gains, and up to $3,000 of extra loss a year offsets ordinary income.
- Use tax-advantaged accounts such as a 401(k) or Roth IRA, where trades are not taxed each year.
- Home sale exclusion: up to $250,000 of gain ($500,000 married) on your main home is tax-free if you owned and lived in it for two of the last five years.
State income tax may also apply. This calculator estimates federal tax only and is not tax advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital gains tax rate for 2026?
Long-term gains are taxed at 0%, 15% or 20% depending on taxable income; the 0% rate applies up to $49,450 for single filers. Short-term gains are taxed at ordinary income rates.
How long do I have to hold to get long-term rates?
More than one year from the day after you buy to the day you sell.
Do I pay capital gains tax if I reinvest?
Yes, in a regular taxable account selling triggers the tax even if you reinvest the money. Trades inside IRAs and 401(k)s are not taxed when they happen.
Last reviewed October 2026. Results are estimates; check important decisions with a qualified professional.