📈Stock Capital Gains Tax Calculator

Estimate US capital gains tax on stock sales by holding period and income bracket

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How to Use the Stock Capital Gains Tax Calculator

When you sell stocks for a profit in the US, you owe capital gains tax. The rate depends on how long you held the shares. Short-term gains (held 1 year or less) are taxed at ordinary income rates. Long-term gains (held over 1 year) benefit from lower 0%, 15%, or 20% rates.

Enter your purchase price, sale price, holding period, and income bracket to estimate your total tax liability. High earners may also owe the additional 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT) on top of capital gains tax.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I owe taxes on unrealized gains?

No. Capital gains tax only applies when you sell (realize) the gain. Unrealized gains — stocks that have increased in value but not yet sold — are not taxed.

When do I report capital gains on my tax return?

Report capital gains on Schedule D and Form 8949 when you file your annual federal income tax return (Form 1040). The deadline is typically April 15 of the following year.

Are stocks in a Roth IRA subject to capital gains tax?

No. Gains inside a Roth IRA grow tax-free, and qualified withdrawals in retirement are also tax-free. Traditional IRA gains are tax-deferred; you pay ordinary income tax on withdrawals, not capital gains rates.