Capital Gains Tax Calculator 2026 — Short & Long-Term Rates

2026

Calculate short-term and long-term capital gains tax on stocks, real estate, and investments. Includes NIIT. Free, instant results based on 2026 IRS brackets.

$
$
Holding Period
$

Capital Gain

$100,000.00

Long-Term Rate

15%

Net Proceeds

$135,000.00

Federal Tax on Gains

$15,000.00

NIIT (3.8%)

$0.00

Total Tax on Gains

$15,000.00

Capital Gains Tax Breakdown

Sale Price$150,000.00
Cost Basis (Purchase Price)- $50,000.00
Capital Gain$100,000.00
Type: Long-TermPreferential rates
Ordinary Income$75,000.00
AGI (Income + Gains)$175,000.00
Federal Tax on Gains (15% marginal)$15,000.00
Total Tax$15,000.00
Effective Tax Rate on Gains15.00%
Net Proceeds After Tax$135,000.00

Use the Capital Gains Tax Calculator 2026 — Short & Long-Term Rates above to calculate your results. Enter your values and see instant results — all calculations run in your browser.

Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.

How It Works

This Capital Gains Tax Calculator helps you determine the federal tax owed on investment gains realized in 2026, using the latest tax brackets and rates. For 2026, long-term capital gains rates remain at 0%, 15%, and 20% depending on your income level, while short-term gains are taxed as ordinary income with rates up to 37%.

The calculator distinguishes between short-term gains (assets held less than one year) and long-term gains (held over one year), then applies the appropriate tax rate based on your total taxable income and filing status. It factors in the 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax for high earners and uses inflation-adjusted income thresholds for 2026.

Remember that state taxes may apply separately and aren't included in this federal calculation. A common mistake is forgetting to account for the holding period requirement - selling just one day early can dramatically increase your tax liability by converting long-term rates to ordinary income rates.

Calculating Tax on $50,000 Stock Gain for Married Filing Jointly

  1. 1 A married couple filing jointly realizes a $50,000 long-term capital gain from selling stock, with a combined taxable income of $120,000 in 2026.
  2. 2 Their total income including the gain ($170,000) falls within the 15% long-term capital gains bracket for married filing jointly (between $94,050 and $583,750 for 2026).
  3. 3 The long-term capital gains tax equals $50,000 × 15% = $7,500, with no additional Net Investment Income Tax since their income is below the $250,000 threshold.
  4. 4 Their total federal capital gains tax liability is $7,500, resulting in net proceeds of $42,500 from the $50,000 gain, representing an effective tax rate of 15% on the investment profit.

Source: IRS — Forms, Instructions & Publications · Last updated: April 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 2026 long-term capital gains tax rates?
For 2026, long-term capital gains are taxed at 0% (up to $49,450 single), 15% (up to $492,300), or 20% (above). An additional 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax applies for high earners.
How long do I need to hold an asset for long-term capital gains treatment?
You must hold the asset for more than one year (at least 366 days) to qualify for the lower long-term capital gains rates.
Are capital gains taxed differently than regular income?
Yes. Long-term capital gains have their own lower tax brackets (0%/15%/20%), while short-term gains are taxed as ordinary income at your regular tax rate.