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Capital Gains Tax Calculator (US)

Calculate US capital gains tax for 2024/2025. Covers short and long-term rates, NIIT, all filing statuses, and optional state tax. See net proceeds after tax.

US estimateLast reviewed 15 August 2026Reviewed after a tax-year or rule change

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When to use this calculator

  • Before accepting a pay change, bonus or contribution arrangement.
  • When you want a simple take-home or conversion estimate before payroll or filing.
  • When you need to convert between hourly, monthly and annual pay.
  • When you want to compare two pay scenarios using the same assumptions.

A realistic US planning example

Use these sample inputs as a quick scenario test, then change one variable at a time to compare outcomes.

A realistic US planning example
InputValue
Capital Gain ($)50000
Holding PeriodShort-term (held ≤ 1 year)
Filing StatusSingle
Other Taxable Income ($)$55,000

After entering these figures, review federal cgt, niit (3.8%) and state tax together rather than in isolation. Then rerun the tool with one input adjusted.

How to read your results

Federal CGT

The figure produced by this output for the inputs you entered. Change one variable at a time if you want to see what drives it.

NIIT (3.8%)

The figure produced by this output for the inputs you entered. Change one variable at a time if you want to see what drives it.

State Tax

Review this figure alongside gross income and the local tax rules that apply to you. It is a planning estimate, not a filing result.

Total Tax

Review this figure alongside gross income and the local tax rules that apply to you. It is a planning estimate, not a filing result.

Effective Rate

The effective rate lets you compare options on a like-for-like basis rather than being misled by different compounding periods or fee structures.

Net Proceeds

The figure produced by this output for the inputs you entered. Change one variable at a time if you want to see what drives it.

Method & assumptionsAuthoritative sources

This calculator applies the 2024 federal capital gains schedule. Short-term gains are taxed as ordinary income — federal tax is estimated by computing the marginal bracket difference between your other income alone and your other income plus the gain. Long-term gains use the preferential 0%, 15%, and 20% tiers based on taxable income and filing status. The 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax applies to long-term gains when modified adjusted gross income exceeds $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married filing jointly), per ACA rules.

State tax is applied as a flat rate on the full gain — enter your state’s effective rate for a blended estimate. The calculator does not model AMT, depreciation recapture on real property (25%), or collectibles (28%). The effective rate is total tax divided by the reported gain. Results are estimates only; consult a CPA or enrolled agent before filing.

Common mistakes

  • !Using an assumption that is not supported by a current local quote, bill, statement or official source.
  • !Treating a generic estimate as a lender, provider, payroll or tax authority decision.
  • !Mixing monthly and annual inputs without converting them consistently.
  • !Testing only one scenario instead of checking how a cautious assumption changes the result.

What to do next

  • Run a second scenario with a cautious assumption so you can see the downside clearly.
  • Compare the result with the related calculators below before making a decision.
  • Check current local rules, eligibility and provider terms before applying or committing money.
  • Keep a record of the assumptions so you can update the estimate when a quote, bill or pay figure changes.

Frequently asked

Short-term capital gains apply to assets held one year or less and are taxed as ordinary income, using the same progressive brackets as your wages — up to 37% federally. Long-term gains on assets held more than one year qualify for preferential rates of 0%, 15%, or 20% depending on your taxable income and filing status. For 2024, the 0% rate applies up to $47,025 for single filers. Choosing when to sell an asset can significantly affect your tax bill, and holding past the one-year mark is one of the most straightforward ways to reduce it.

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