Estimate the tax on selling stocks, ETFs, funds or crypto, with the 2026 federal brackets, the 3.8% net investment income tax and an optional state rate.
US federal tax for the 2026 tax year (returns filed in 2027).
Based on taxable income, including the gain.
| Rate | Single | Married jointly | Head of household |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0% | Up to $49,450 | Up to $98,900 | Up to $66,200 |
| 15% | $49,451 to $545,500 | $98,901 to $613,700 | $66,201 to $579,600 |
| 20% | Over $545,500 | Over $613,700 | Over $579,600 |
How to use the capital gains tax calculator
Enter what you paid for an investment and what you sold it for, choose whether you held it for more than a year, then add your filing status and other income for the year. The calculator estimates your 2026 federal capital gains tax, the 3.8% net investment income tax if it applies, and an optional state tax, and shows how much you keep. It works for stocks, ETFs, mutual funds and crypto.
Short-term vs long-term capital gains
- Short-term (held one year or less): taxed as ordinary income at your regular rate, from 10% to 37%.
- Long-term (held more than one year): taxed at 0%, 15% or 20%, depending on your taxable income. For most people this is much lower.
Holding an investment just past the one-year mark can cut the tax bill by thousands of dollars. Crypto follows the same rules; see how crypto is taxed.
2026 long-term capital gains tax rates
For the 2026 tax year, single filers pay 0% on long-term gains while taxable income stays at or below $49,450, 15% up to $545,500 and 20% above that. For married couples filing jointly the 0% bracket goes up to $98,900 and the 20% rate starts above $613,700. Heads of household pay 0% up to $66,200 and 20% above $579,600. Your gain is stacked on top of your other taxable income, so part of a large gain can fall in one bracket and the rest in the next. The calculator handles this split for you.
The 3.8% net investment income tax
If your modified adjusted gross income is above $200,000 (single or head of household) or $250,000 (married filing jointly), an extra 3.8% applies to the smaller of your investment income or the amount you are over the limit. These thresholds are not adjusted for inflation.
Ways to legally lower capital gains tax
- Hold for more than a year to get long-term rates.
- Harvest losses: sell losing investments to offset gains, plus up to $3,000 of ordinary income each year.
- Use the 0% bracket: in a low-income year, such as early retirement or a career break, you may be able to sell gains tax-free.
- Invest through tax-advantaged accounts like a 401(k) or Roth IRA, where trades are not taxed each year.
- Prefer ETFs in taxable accounts: they rarely pay out capital gains. See index funds vs ETFs vs mutual funds.
- Sell your home tax-smart: up to $250,000 of gain ($500,000 married) on a main home is excluded if you meet the ownership and use rules.
See how fund fees and inflation affect your real returns with our investment fee calculator and inflation calculator.
- Live prices and sentiment on every ticker page
- Weekly email with your watchlist movers
- Price alerts on the stocks and coins you follow
Frequently asked questions
How much tax do I pay on $10,000 of capital gains?
If it is a long-term gain and your taxable income is in the 15% bracket, about $1,500. If it is short-term, it is taxed at your income tax rate, for example $2,200 in the 22% bracket. If all of it falls in the 0% bracket, you owe nothing federally.
Do I pay capital gains tax if I reinvest the money?
Yes. In a regular brokerage account, selling at a profit is a taxable event even if you immediately buy something else. Trades inside IRAs and 401(k)s are not taxed.
Is there a capital gains tax in every state?
No. Most states tax capital gains as regular income, but states with no income tax, such as Texas, Florida and Nevada, do not tax them. Enter your state rate above for an estimate.
Does this calculator include the alternative minimum tax?
No. It is an estimate of regular federal tax, the net investment income tax and a flat state rate. It assumes the standard deduction and no other investment income. For complex situations, check with a tax professional.
This calculator is for general information, not tax advice.
Leave a Reply