2026 long-term capital gains brackets
Long-term rates apply to assets held more than one year. The rate depends on your total taxable income, with the gain stacked on top of your other income.
| Filing status | 0% up to | 15% up to | 20% above |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | $49,450 | $545,500 | $545,500 |
| Married filing jointly | $98,900 | $613,700 | $613,700 |
| Head of household | $66,200 | $579,600 | $579,600 |
Taxable income thresholds, after the standard deduction. Source: IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32 section .03 (maximum capital gains rate amounts).
Holding period matters
A single filer with $60,000 of wages who sells an investment for a $20,000 profit pays $2,168 of federal tax if it was held more than a year, and $3,750 if it was held a year or less: a difference of $1,583 just from waiting.
Selling your home
A married couple in California with $150,000 of other income who sells their home for a $400,000 gain owes $0: the $500,000 main home exclusion covers the whole gain. Without it, the same sale would be taxed as a long-term gain. Source: IRS Topic 701, Sale of your home.
State taxes on capital gains
Most states tax capital gains as ordinary income at their regular rates, which this calculator applies. Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Wyoming do not tax them. Some states give partial exclusions that we do not model; their rules are noted on our state pages.
Net investment income tax: IRS Topic 559, Net investment income tax. See our methodology.