Estimate the federal tax on a capital gain from selling stocks, funds, crypto or property in 2026. A single filer with $80,000 of other income who sells an investment held over a year for a $20,000 gain owes $3,000 (15%). If the same gain is short-term, the tax is $4,400.
Capital Gains Tax Calculator 2026
Federal tax on selling stocks, funds or property · Updated October 12, 2026
- Effective rate on the gain
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- Net investment income tax (3.8%)
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- Gain after federal tax
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Uses the 2026 standard deduction and brackets. State income tax is not included.
2026 long-term capital gains rates
| Filing status | 0% rate | 15% rate | 20% rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | Up to $49,450 | $49,451 to $545,500 | Over $545,500 |
| Married filing jointly | Up to $98,900 | $98,901 to $613,700 | Over $613,700 |
| Head of household | Up to $66,200 | $66,201 to $579,600 | Over $579,600 |
| Married filing separately | Up to $49,450 | $49,451 to $306,850 | Over $306,850 |
Long-term gains are stacked on top of your other taxable income, so the rate depends on where the gain lands. Short-term gains, on assets held a year or less, are taxed as ordinary income at your normal rates of 10% to 37%.
Net investment income tax
An extra 3.8% applies to investment income when your modified adjusted gross income is above $200,000 (single or head of household), $250,000 (married filing jointly) or $125,000 (married filing separately). These thresholds aren't adjusted for inflation.
Examples for a single filer
| Other income | Gain | Long-term tax | Short-term tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $10,000 | $0 | $1,200 |
| $80,000 | $20,000 | $3,000 | $4,400 |
| $150,000 | $50,000 | $7,500 | $12,000 |
| $300,000 | $100,000 | $18,800 | $38,800 |
FAQ
Can I reduce the tax?
Capital losses offset gains, and up to $3,000 of net losses a year can offset ordinary income, with the rest carried forward. Holding an investment for more than a year usually lowers the rate. If you sell your main home, up to $250,000 of gain ($500,000 for married couples) can be excluded when you meet the ownership and use tests.
Are collectibles taxed differently?
Yes. Long-term gains on collectibles such as art, coins and precious metals can be taxed at up to 28%, and part of the gain on certain real estate is taxed at up to 25%. This calculator uses the standard 0%, 15% and 20% rates.
Related calculators
- Federal Income Tax Calculator 2026Brackets and the standard deduction
- Compound Interest CalculatorGrow your investments
Sources
- Kiplinger: IRS updates capital gains tax thresholds for 2026
- IRS: Topic no. 409, Capital gains and losses
- IRS: Net investment income tax
Figures current as of October 12, 2026
Each formula is checked against a separate test sheet with at least three worked examples. Results are estimates based on the numbers you enter and the published rules; your actual figures may differ. This is general information, not financial or tax advice.
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