United States · IRS 2026 rules
Capital gains tax calculator.
Estimate 2026 federal tax on short-term and long-term gains, with long-term gain stacked on top of your other income and an optional net investment income tax.
For 2026, long-term gains are taxed at 0% up to $49,450 of taxable income (single) or $98,900 (joint), 15% above that, and 20% above $545,500 (single) or $613,700 (joint). Short-term gains are taxed as ordinary income.
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2026 estimate
How the estimate works
Worked example. A single filer with $60,000 of other income and a $20,000 long-term gain takes the $16,100 standard deduction, leaving $43,900 of ordinary taxable income and $63,900 in total. Ordinary tax is $1,240 + 12% of ($43,900 − $12,400) = $5,020. The first $5,550 of the gain (up to the $49,450 line) is taxed at 0% and the remaining $14,450 at 15%, or $2,167.50. Total federal income tax is $7,187.50.
Formula. Taxable income = other income + short-term gain + long-term gain − deduction. Ordinary income and short-term gain are taxed with the 2026 brackets (10% to 37%). Long-term gain fills the rate bands above ordinary taxable income: 0% to the zero-rate breakpoint, 15% to the 15% breakpoint, 20% beyond. The NIIT is 3.8% of the lesser of net investment income or the excess of MAGI (other income plus gains) over $200,000 single or head of household, $250,000 joint, $125,000 separate.
Brackets are computed from the published rate tables rather than the IRS tax tables used under $100,000, so results can differ from a filed return by a few dollars. Not included: collectibles, unrecaptured section 1250 gain, section 1202 stock, capital-loss carryovers, AMT, state tax and credits. Enter net gains after offsetting losses. Nothing leaves your browser.
Official sources, as of October 1, 2026: Rev. Proc. 2025-32 (sections 4.01 rate tables, 4.03 capital gains breakpoints, 4.14 standard deduction), IRS Topic 409, Capital gains and losses and IRS Topic 559, Net investment income tax.
Frequently asked questions
Which long-term capital gains rate applies to me?
It depends on taxable income, not the gain alone. For 2026 a single filer pays 0% on long-term gain up to $49,450 of taxable income, 15% up to $545,500 and 20% above that. Joint filers use $98,900 and $613,700; heads of household $66,200 and $579,600; married filing separately $49,450 and $306,850.
Are short-term gains taxed differently?
Yes. Assets held one year or less are taxed at your ordinary income rates (10% to 37%), added on top of your other income. Only assets held more than one year get the 0/15/20% rates.
Why does the calculator stack gains on top of other income?
Long-term gain fills the rate bands after ordinary taxable income. Someone with $40,000 of ordinary taxable income has less 0% room left than someone with $10,000, which is how the IRS Qualified Dividends and Capital Gain Tax Worksheet works.
When does the 3.8% net investment income tax apply?
When modified AGI exceeds $200,000 (single or head of household), $250,000 (married filing jointly) or $125,000 (married filing separately). The tax is 3.8% of the lesser of net investment income or the excess over the threshold. These thresholds are set by statute and are not indexed for inflation.
What does this calculator leave out?
Collectibles (28% maximum), unrecaptured section 1250 gain (25% maximum), section 1202 stock, capital-loss netting and carryovers, AMT, state tax and credits. Net your gains and losses first and enter the net figures.
Estimate only
This is an educational calculation, not tax advice. Confirm your figures with the IRS instructions or a qualified tax professional.