Estimate your 2026 capital gains tax on stocks, crypto, real estate, and other investments. Works for short-term and long-term gains. Free, no login required.
| Amount | Tax Due | |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary Income | $0 | — |
| Short-Term Gains | $0 | $0 |
| Long-Term Gains | $0 | $0 |
| Long-Term Rate Applied | 0% | |
| Total Capital Gains Tax | $0 | |
Short-term capital gains (assets held 1 year or less) are taxed at your ordinary income tax rate — the same rate as your wages and business income. In 2026, these rates range from 10% to 37% depending on your income bracket.
Long-term capital gains (assets held more than 1 year) get preferential tax treatment. Depending on your total taxable income and filing status, your long-term gains are taxed at 0%, 15%, or 20%. This is why holding investments for more than a year can significantly reduce your tax bill.
Use these free calculators to plan your investment taxes:
A capital gain is the profit you make when you sell an asset for more than you paid for it. The US tax system treats these gains differently depending on how long you held the asset and your total income for the year. Understanding these rules can help you keep more of your investment returns.
The most important distinction in capital gains taxation is the holding period. Assets sold within one year of purchase generate short-term capital gains, which are taxed at your regular income tax rates — the same brackets that apply to your wages, business income, and other ordinary income. In 2026, these rates range from 10% to 37%.
Assets held for more than one year qualify for long-term capital gains treatment, with significantly lower tax rates of 0%, 15%, or 20%. This preferential treatment is designed to encourage long-term investing and provides a substantial tax advantage for patient investors.
For the 2026 tax year, the long-term capital gains tax brackets have been adjusted for inflation. The 0% rate applies to single filers with income up to $47,025, married couples filing jointly up to $94,050, and heads of household up to $63,000. The 15% rate covers income up to $518,900 (single), $583,750 (married), and $551,350 (head of household). Above those thresholds, gains are taxed at 20%.
Additionally, high-income taxpayers may be subject to the 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT) on the lesser of their net investment income or the amount their modified adjusted gross income exceeds $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married filing jointly).
This capital gains tax calculator uses the 2026 federal income tax brackets and long-term capital gains rate schedules to estimate your tax liability. Enter your ordinary income (wages, business profits, etc.), your short-term gains, and your long-term gains. The calculator applies your filing status to determine the correct brackets. Short-term gains are taxed at your marginal ordinary income rate, and long-term gains are taxed at the applicable 0%, 15%, or 20% rate based on your total income and filing status.
Note that this calculator estimates federal capital gains tax only. It does not include the 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT) or state-level capital gains taxes. For a complete picture, consult a tax professional.