Capital Gains Tax Calculator

Calculate your 2026 federal capital gains tax on stocks, real estate, or other assets. Includes NIIT and short-term vs. long-term rates.

Asset & Income Details

Purchase Price / Cost Basis ($)

Sale Price ($)

Holding Period

Tax Filing Status

Other Annual Taxable Income ($), excluding this gain

Used to determine your tax bracket and NIIT exposure

Short-Term vs. Long-Term: The One-Year Rule

Holding an investment for more than one year before selling can dramatically reduce your tax bill. At higher incomes, short-term gains are taxed at 37% (ordinary income) while long-term gains max out at 23.8% (20% + 3.8% NIIT). On a $100,000 gain, that difference alone is over $13,000. Tax planning around the holding period is one of the simplest and most impactful moves available to investors.

Tax-Loss Harvesting to Offset Gains

If you hold investments that have declined in value, selling them to realize a loss can offset your capital gains. After offsetting all gains, up to $3,000 in remaining net losses can offset ordinary income, with the rest carrying forward. The wash-sale rule prohibits buying substantially identical securities within 30 days before or after the sale, so plan carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Short-term capital gains apply to assets held for 1 year or less. They are taxed as ordinary income at your regular marginal rate. Long-term capital gains apply to assets held more than 1 year and are taxed at preferential rates: 0%, 15%, or 20% depending on taxable income. Holding an asset just one day past the one-year mark can significantly reduce your tax bill.

⚠️ Important Disclaimer

USLegalCalc.com provides estimates and document templates for informational purposes only. Results are not legal advice and vary by jurisdiction. Always consult a licensed attorney before making legal decisions.