What is the capital gains tax rate for 2026?
For 2026, long-term capital gains tax rates are 0%, 15%, or 20% depending on your taxable income and filing status. Short-term gains are taxed as ordinary income at rates from 10% to 37%.
US · Federal + state + NIIT · FreeCapital Gains Tax Calculator USA 2026
Model short- and long-term federal tax, the 3.8% NIIT, flat state rates, and optional home sale exclusion.
2026-style federal + NIIT + flat state rate — educational only, not tax advice.
Short-term gains use ordinary federal brackets on top of your income. Long-term uses 0% / 15% / 20% bands stacked on taxable income.
Capital gain (total)$70,000
Taxable gain$70,000
Federal (LTCG)$10,500
NIIT (3.8%)$0
State capital gains tax$6,510
Total tax owed$17,010
Effective rate (on total gain)24.30%
Net proceeds after tax
$102,990
Sale price minus total tax (simplified).
Sale allocation (proportional to sale price)
FederalNIITStateNet proceeds
Disclaimer
This tool is for education only and is not tax or legal advice. Real liability depends on basis adjustments, carryforwards, state sourcing, and IRS rules. Cashsembly is not affiliated with the IRS.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between short-term and long-term capital gains?
Short-term capital gains apply to assets held for one year or less and are taxed at ordinary income rates (10%–37%). Long-term capital gains apply to assets held longer than one year and are taxed at preferential rates of 0%, 15%, or 20%.
What is the Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT)?
The NIIT is an additional 3.8% tax on investment income for high earners. It applies to single filers with income over $200,000 and married filers over $250,000. It applies to the lesser of your net investment income or the amount your income exceeds the threshold.
How does the home sale exclusion work?
If you sell your primary residence, you can exclude up to $250,000 of capital gains from tax ($500,000 for married filing jointly), provided you owned and lived in the home for at least 2 of the last 5 years.
Does my state tax capital gains?
Most US states tax capital gains as ordinary income. States with no capital gains tax include Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and Wyoming. California has the highest rate at 13.3%.