US Capital Gains Tax Estimator
Estimate federal and state tax on an investment sale. Use this calculator for stocks, crypto, business assets, or other taxable investments.
How to use this US capital gains tax calculator
This calculator estimates what you might owe when you sell an investment at a profit. It works by comparing your sale price to your cost basis, then applying estimated federal rates for either short-term or long-term gains. You can also add a state tax rate and optional NIIT estimate.
- Step 1: Choose your filing status.
- Step 2: Select whether the gain is short-term or long-term.
- Step 3: Enter your taxable ordinary income (without this sale).
- Step 4: Enter sale price, cost basis, and selling costs.
- Step 5: Add your state capital gains rate and calculate.
How US capital gains tax works
Short-term vs long-term gains
In the US, the holding period has a major impact on taxes:
- Short-term capital gains (held 1 year or less) are generally taxed at ordinary income tax rates.
- Long-term capital gains (held more than 1 year) are generally taxed at 0%, 15%, or 20% federal rates depending on taxable income.
That means the same dollar gain can have very different tax outcomes depending on when you sell.
Estimated long-term federal brackets used in this calculator
| Filing status | 0% up to | 15% up to | 20% above |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | $47,025 | $518,900 | Over $518,900 |
| Married filing jointly | $94,050 | $583,750 | Over $583,750 |
| Married filing separately | $47,025 | $291,850 | Over $291,850 |
| Head of household | $63,000 | $551,350 | Over $551,350 |
What counts toward your capital gain
Your taxable gain is not just sale price minus what you originally paid. A better formula is:
Capital Gain = (Sale Price − Selling Costs) − Cost Basis
Cost basis often includes purchase cost plus qualifying improvements, reinvested distributions, and some transaction fees. If your records are incomplete, your gain estimate can be significantly off.
Strategies to reduce capital gains tax legally
- Hold assets longer than one year to qualify for long-term rates.
- Tax-loss harvest by realizing losses to offset gains.
- Use tax-advantaged accounts (e.g., IRA/401(k)) when possible.
- Donate appreciated assets to qualified charities instead of selling first.
- Time sales carefully in lower-income years when you may qualify for lower brackets.
FAQ: capital gains tax calculator US
Does this include depreciation recapture or special collectibles rates?
No. This is a general estimator. Real estate depreciation recapture, collectibles, and qualified small business stock can follow different rules.
Does this calculate Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT)?
Yes, if you enable it. The NIIT is estimated at 3.8% on the lesser of net investment income or the amount your estimated modified AGI exceeds threshold limits.
Can this be used for crypto gains?
Yes, as a rough estimate. Crypto gains are generally taxed using capital gains rules when held as investment property.
Important disclaimer
This tool is for educational planning only and is not legal, tax, or investment advice. IRS rules, state laws, deductions, carryforwards, and surtaxes can materially change your true result. Always verify with a qualified tax professional before filing.