Capital Gains Tax Calculator
Calculate capital gains tax on stocks, cryptocurrency, and real estate investments for multiple countries
Capital gains are typically taxed in the year of sale
What is Capital Gains Tax?
Capital gains tax is a tax on the profit you make when you sell an asset for more than you paid for it. Common assets subject to capital gains tax include stocks, bonds, cryptocurrency, real estate, and collectibles.
Holding Period Requirements: When Capital Gains Tax Applies
Capital gains tax always applies when you sell an asset for more than you paid. However, the holding perioddetermines whether you pay short-term or long-term rates, which can significantly affect your tax bill.
How Holding Periods Work by Country:
Short-Term vs Long-Term Capital Gains
Short-Term Gains
Assets held for less than 1 year (US, Canada, Australia) or 2 years (UK, France). These are typically taxed at your ordinary income tax rate, which is usually higher than long-term rates.
⚠️ Usually higher tax rates - consider waiting until you qualify for long-term rates.
Long-Term Gains
Assets held for 1 year or more (US, Canada, Australia) or 2 years or more (UK, France). These receive preferential tax rates, often significantly lower than short-term rates.
✅ Lower tax rates - better for reducing your overall tax liability.
Important: Capital Gains Tax Always Applies
Capital gains tax applies to all profitable asset sales, regardless of holding period. The holding period only determines whether you pay short-term or long-term rates. The only way to avoid capital gains tax is if you sell at a loss, qualify for exemptions (like primary residence exemption in some countries), or fall below annual exemption thresholds.
How Capital Gains Tax Varies by Country
United States: Short-term gains taxed as ordinary income (up to 37%). Long-term gains taxed at preferential rates (0%, 15%, or 20%). Different rates may apply to collectibles and real estate.
United Kingdom: CGT rates of 10% or 20% for most assets, and 18% or 28% for residential property. Tax-free allowance of £6,000 (2024-25).
Germany: Flat 26.375% Abgeltungsteuer (including solidarity surcharge) on capital gains with a €1,000 annual allowance (Sparer-Pauschbetrag).
France: Flat rate (PFU) of 30% for short-term gains, or progressive rates. Long-term gains have reduced rates after 2 years.
Canada: 50% of capital gains are included in taxable income and taxed at your marginal rate (effective rate is half of your tax bracket).
Australia: Long-term capital gains receive a 50% discount, effectively halving your tax rate for assets held over 1 year.
Capital Losses
Capital losses can offset capital gains and may be deductible from your taxable income (with annual limits depending on your country). If you sell an asset for less than you paid, you have a capital loss, which can reduce your overall tax liability.
Capital Gain / Loss
The difference between your sale price and purchase price. A positive value is a gain, a negative value is a loss.
Holding Period
How long you held the asset before selling. This determines whether gains are classified as short-term or long-term, which affects your tax rate.
Tax Rate
The percentage of your capital gain that will be taxed. This varies by country, holding period, asset type, and your income level.
Estimated Tax Owed
The amount of tax you'll owe on your capital gains based on the applicable tax rate. This is an estimate and may not account for all deductions, exemptions, or credits available in your country.
Net Profit After Tax
Your actual profit after subtracting capital gains tax. This is what you'll keep after taxes are paid.