How to Use the Stock Capital Gains Tax Calculator
In the US, capital gains tax depends on how long you held the asset. Assets held longer than one year qualify for lower long-term rates (0%, 15%, or 20%), while assets held one year or less are taxed as ordinary income at short-term rates. Holding for at least one year and one day can significantly reduce your tax bill.
Capital losses offset gains dollar-for-dollar. If your net gain after offsetting losses is zero or negative, no capital gains tax is owed. Losses up to $3,000 can even reduce ordinary income. This calculator provides a federal and state estimate — actual liability depends on your full tax situation, so use it as a planning guide rather than a definitive figure.
Frequently Asked Questions
The NIIT is an additional 3.8% tax on investment income for single filers with modified AGI above $200,000 (or $250,000 for married filing jointly). It applies to capital gains, dividends, and other investment income.
Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming do not tax capital gains. If you live in these states, enter 0% for the state rate.
Yes. The wash-sale rule disallows a loss if you buy the same or substantially identical security within 30 days before or after the sale. You cannot use wash-sale losses to offset gains in the same tax year.