United States Capital Gains Tax Calculator 2026

Calculate capital gains tax for United States investments. Free calculator for stocks, cryptocurrency, and real estate investments.

📈 Stocks₿ Crypto🏠 Real Estate2026 Rates100% Free
Capital Gains Tax Calculator
Calculate capital gains tax on stocks, crypto, and real estate investments

Capital gains are typically taxed in the year of sale

United States Capital Gains Tax Information 2026
United States-specific rules, rates, and exemptions for capital gains tax

US Capital Gains Tax Holding Period Rules

Short-Term Capital Gains

Holding Period: Less than 365 days (1 year)

Tax Rate: Taxed as ordinary income using your income tax brackets

  • 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, or 37% (depending on income)
  • Same rates as your regular income tax
  • Usually higher than long-term rates

Long-Term Capital Gains

Holding Period: 365 days (1 year) or more

Tax Rate: Preferential rates (much lower than short-term)

  • 0%: Low-income taxpayers (up to $47,900 single, $95,800 married)
  • 15%: Middle-income taxpayers (most common)
  • 20%: High-income taxpayers (over $479,900 single, $617,800 married)

How to Calculate Holding Period

The holding period is calculated from the day after you purchase the asset to the day you sell it.

Example: If you buy on January 1, 2024, and sell on January 1, 2025, that's exactly 365 days = long-term (qualifies for lower rates). If you sell on December 31, 2024, that's 364 days = short-term (higher rates apply).

Short-Term Gains

Taxed as ordinary income (up to 37% depending on income bracket) - Assets held LESS than 365 days (1 year)

Long-Term Gains

Preferential rates: 0% (low income), 15% (middle income), or 20% (high income) - Assets held 365 days (1 year) OR MORE

Exemptions & Allowances

Primary residence: $250,000 (single) or $500,000 (married filing jointly)

Important United States Capital Gains Tax Rules

  • •Short-term: Assets held LESS than 1 year (365 days) - taxed at ordinary income rates (10% to 37%)
  • •Long-term: Assets held 1 year (365 days) OR MORE - preferential rates apply (0%, 15%, or 20%)
  • •The 1-year period is calculated from the day after purchase to the day of sale
  • •State taxes may apply in addition to federal taxes (varies by state)
  • •3.8% Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT) may apply to high-income taxpayers on investment income
  • •Capital losses can offset capital gains - up to $3,000 deductible against ordinary income per year
Frequently Asked Questions - United States Capital Gains Tax

Related Calculators