Federal (LTCG/QDI + NIIT) and state tax on a stock sale.
About the Capital Gains Tax calculator
Selling an asset for more than your cost basis creates a capital gain. Long-term gains — on assets held more than a year — get preferential federal rates of 0%, 15%, or 20%, plus a 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax for high earners. Short-term gains are taxed as ordinary income. Most states tax gains as ordinary income with no preferential rate. This calculator estimates the combined federal and state tax on a sale and what you keep.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between long-term and short-term capital gains?
Assets held more than one year qualify for lower long-term rates (0%, 15%, or 20% federal). Held a year or less, the gain is short-term and taxed at your ordinary income tax rate.
What is the Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT)?
An additional 3.8% federal tax on net investment income, including capital gains, that applies once modified AGI exceeds $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married filing jointly).
Do states tax capital gains?
Most states tax capital gains as ordinary income with no special rate. States with no income tax — such as Texas and Florida — don't tax gains, though Washington taxes certain large long-term gains.
How is my capital gains tax rate determined?
A long-term gain stacks on top of your other taxable income, so your rate depends on your total income for the year. A large gain can span more than one rate bracket.