Capital Gains Tax Calculator

Short-term gains are from assets held 12 months or less and are taxed as ordinary income (10-37%). Long-term gains are from assets held more than 12 months and qualify for preferential rates (0%, 15%, or 20%). The holding period starts the day after purchase and includes the day of sale.

For 2025, long-term capital gains rates are: 0% for single filers up to $48,350 taxable income, 15% from $48,351-$533,400, and 20% above $533,400. For married filing jointly: 0% up to $96,700, 15% up to $600,050, and 20% above. These rates are significantly lower than ordinary income rates.

NIIT is an additional 3.8% tax on investment income (including capital gains) for high earners. It applies when your modified adjusted gross income exceeds $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married filing jointly). The tax is on the lesser of your net investment income or the amount over the threshold.

Cryptocurrency is taxed the same as stocks and other capital assets. Selling, trading, or spending crypto triggers a taxable event. Short-term gains (held ≤12 months) are taxed at ordinary income rates. Long-term gains (held >12 months) qualify for preferential rates. Receiving crypto as income is taxed as ordinary income.

Yes, capital losses can offset capital gains dollar-for-dollar. If losses exceed gains, you can deduct up to $3,000 ($1,500 if married filing separately) from ordinary income. Remaining losses carry forward indefinitely. Note: the wash sale rule prevents claiming a loss if you buy the same or substantially identical security within 30 days.

Cost basis is typically the purchase price plus any fees or commissions. For stocks bought at different times, you can use specific identification (choose which shares to sell), FIFO (first in, first out), or average cost (for mutual funds). Your broker usually tracks this and reports it on Form 1099-B.

Legal strategies include: holding assets over 12 months for lower long-term rates, tax-loss harvesting, investing through tax-advantaged accounts (401k, IRA, HSA), using the $250k/$500k home sale exclusion, donating appreciated assets to charity, and timing sales in lower income years. Each strategy has specific rules and limitations.

Real estate gains are taxed as capital gains, with special rules for primary residences. You can exclude up to $250,000 in gains ($500,000 for married couples) if you owned and lived in the home for at least 2 of the last 5 years. Investment property gains are fully taxable, though 1031 exchanges can defer taxes.