Capital Gains Tax Calculator — Calculate Tax on Investment Profits
Calculate federal capital gains tax on stock sales real estate and other investments. Understand short-term vs long-term rates and available exemptions.
Capital gains tax in the US depends on how long you held the investment. Short-term gains on assets held less than one year are taxed at your ordinary income rate up to 37%. Long-term gains on assets held over one year are taxed at preferential rates of 0% 15% or 20% depending on your income. This significant rate difference is why tax-efficient investors hold investments for at least one year before selling.
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Key Information
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Short-Term Rate | Same as income tax (10% - 37%) |
| Long-Term Rate (0%) | Single filers up to $47,025 |
| Long-Term Rate (15%) | $47,026 - $518,900 |
| Long-Term Rate (20%) | Above $518900 |
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Use Calculator NowFrequently Asked Questions
How much capital gains tax on $100000 profit?
On $100000 long-term capital gains (held over 1 year) a single filer with $80000 salary would pay 15% = $15000 in federal capital gains tax. If the same profit were short-term the tax would be at your marginal income rate potentially 24-32% = $24000-$32000. Holding investments over one year saves $9000-$17000 in tax on this example.
How to avoid capital gains tax legally?
Hold investments over one year for lower long-term rates. Use tax-loss harvesting to offset gains with losses. Invest through tax-advantaged accounts like 401k IRA or Roth IRA. Use the primary residence exclusion ($250K single / $500K married) for home sales. Donate appreciated stock to charity to avoid gains entirely and get a tax deduction.
What is the primary residence exclusion?
If you sell your primary home and have lived in it for at least 2 of the last 5 years you can exclude up to $250000 in capital gains ($500000 for married filing jointly) from federal taxes. This means most homeowners pay zero capital gains tax on their home sale. This exclusion can be used repeatedly every 2 years.
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Last updated: 24 March 2026