Capital Gains Tax Calculator 2026
Calculate taxes on investment profits, stock sales, and asset gains. Essential tool for investors, traders, and tax planning.
Capital Gains Tax Calculator
Enter your investment details and click "Calculate" to see your capital gains tax calculation.
Important Notes:
- • Long-term capital gains (assets held 1+ years) receive preferential tax rates
- • Short-term capital gains are taxed at your ordinary income tax rates
- • State tax rates vary by state and may not apply to all types of investments
- • This calculator provides estimates; consult a tax professional for complex situations
- • Tax rates and brackets are for 2026 and may change annually
Understanding Capital Gains Tax
What Are Capital Gains?
Capital gains are profits from selling investments or assets for more than you paid. This includes stocks, bonds, real estate, mutual funds, and other investment vehicles.
Capital gains are categorized as either short-term (held less than one year) or long-term (held more than one year), with different tax rates applying to each.
Long-Term vs Short-Term
Long-term capital gains (assets held over one year) are taxed at preferential rates: 0%, 15%, or 20% depending on your income level.
Short-term capital gains (assets held under one year) are taxed at your ordinary income tax rates, which can be as high as 37%.
Tax Rates 2026
Long-term capital gains tax rates for 2026: 0% for income up to $47,025 (single), 15% for income $47,025 to $518,900, and 20% for income above $518,900.
These thresholds are adjusted annually for inflation and vary by filing status.
2026 Capital Gains Tax Rates
Long-Term Capital Gains
Short-Term Capital Gains
Short-term capital gains are taxed at your ordinary income tax rates, which follow the standard federal income tax brackets.
This is why holding investments for at least one year can significantly reduce your tax burden.
Capital Gains Tax Planning Strategies
Timing Strategies
- •Hold investments for at least one year to qualify for long-term rates
- •Consider selling in years with lower income to stay in lower tax brackets
- •Use tax-loss harvesting to offset gains with losses
- •Plan large sales around major life events that affect income
Investment Strategies
- •Use tax-advantaged accounts (401k, IRA) for active trading
- •Consider municipal bonds for tax-free income
- •Implement dollar-cost averaging to manage tax timing
- •Work with a tax professional for complex situations