Capital Gains Tax Calculator 2025
Calculate the federal tax on your investment gains. Enter your gain amount and ordinary income to see how short-term and long-term rates apply to your situation.
Tax on Capital Gain
$6,997.50
Long-term rate: 14.0%
| Breakdown | Amount |
|---|---|
| Capital Gain | $50,000.00 |
| Type | Long-Term |
| Ordinary Income | $60,000.00 |
| Tax on Gain | $6,997.50 |
| Effective Rate | 14.0% |
How Capital Gains Tax Works
When you sell an investment for more than you paid, the profit is a capital gain. The tax rate depends on how long you held the asset. Short-term gains (held one year or less) are taxed at your ordinary income tax rate, which can be as high as 37%. Long-term gains (held longer than one year) get preferential rates of 0%, 15%, or 20%.
The 0% rate is particularly valuable for lower-income investors. A single filer with taxable income under $48,350 (including the gain) pays zero federal tax on long-term gains.
Example Calculations
$30,000 long-term gain, $50,000 salary: Taxable income with gain = $64,300 (after deduction). The gain is taxed at 0% up to $48,350 and 15% above. Tax on gain: approximately $2,393.
$30,000 short-term gain, $50,000 salary: The gain is taxed as ordinary income. Additional tax: approximately $6,600 (22% bracket). Short-term gains cost significantly more in tax.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between short-term and long-term capital gains?
Short-term gains (assets held 1 year or less) are taxed as ordinary income at your regular tax bracket. Long-term gains (held over 1 year) get preferential rates of 0%, 15%, or 20% depending on your income.
What are the 2025 long-term capital gains rates?
For single filers: 0% on taxable income up to $48,350, 15% from $48,350 to $533,400, and 20% above $533,400. These thresholds are based on total taxable income, not just the gain.
Can I offset gains with losses?
Yes. Capital losses offset capital gains dollar for dollar. If your losses exceed your gains, you can deduct up to $3,000 of net losses against ordinary income per year, carrying excess forward.
Is there a 3.8% net investment income tax?
Yes. High earners may owe an additional 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT) on capital gains if their modified AGI exceeds $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married filing jointly). This calculator does not include NIIT.
How are dividends taxed?
Qualified dividends are taxed at the same preferential rates as long-term capital gains. Non-qualified (ordinary) dividends are taxed as ordinary income.
Important Disclaimer
The figures provided by this calculator are estimates based on the information you enter and published rates at the time of writing. They do not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice, and we accept no liability for decisions made on the basis of these estimates. Your actual liability may differ depending on your individual circumstances, applicable reliefs, and any changes to rates or legislation. Always consult a qualified professional or check the latest IRS guidance at irs.gov before making financial decisions.
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