What about state tax?+
Add your state rate into the rate field for an all-in estimate, or run the state calculation separately. Several US states tax capital gains as ordinary income.
What counts toward cost basis?+
What you paid plus commissions and, for funds, any reinvested dividends you already paid tax on. Leaving reinvested dividends out is the most common way people overstate their gain.
What if I sold at a loss?+
There is no tax on the sale, and in the US losses generally offset gains and then a limited amount of ordinary income, with the rest carried forward. This page just shows zero tax.
Which long-term rate applies to me?+
It depends on your total taxable income and filing status, and US brackets for long-term gains commonly land at 0, 15, or 20% before any additional investment income surtax. Check the current thresholds before relying on a figure.
How much tax will I pay on capital gains?+
In the US, long-term gains on assets held over a year are taxed at 0, 15, or 20% depending on taxable income, plus the 3.8% net investment income tax for high earners. Short-term gains are taxed as ordinary income.
How do I calculate capital gains tax on a house sale?+
Subtract your adjusted basis, including purchase price, improvements, and selling costs, from the sale price. A primary home also gets an exclusion of up to $250,000 of gain for single filers and $500,000 for married couples filing jointly.
Are capital gains tax rates changing in 2026?+
The long-term rates remain 0, 15, and 20% by income tier, with the 3.8% net investment income tax on top for high earners. The income thresholds are inflation-adjusted each year by the IRS.
Are these numbers financial advice?+
No. They are educational estimates based on the inputs and assumptions on this page. Confirm important decisions with a qualified professional and your own documents.