Calculate capital gains tax on investments, real estate, and other assets. Understand short-term vs long-term rates, and plan strategies to minimize your tax liability.
2024 Capital Gains Tax Rates
Long-Term Capital Gains (Assets held > 1 year)
| Filing Status | 0% Rate | 15% Rate | 20% Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | $0 - $47,025 | $47,026 - $518,900 | $518,901+ |
| Married Filing Jointly | $0 - $94,050 | $94,051 - $583,750 | $583,751+ |
| Head of Household | $0 - $63,000 | $63,001 - $551,350 | $551,351+ |
Short-Term Capital Gains (Assets held ≤ 1 year)
Taxed as ordinary income at your regular tax rates (10% - 37%)
Special Capital Gains Rules
- Collectibles: Maximum 28% tax rate (coins, art, antiques)
- Section 1202 Stock: Up to $10 million or 10x basis excluded
- Primary Residence: $250K/$500K exclusion available
- Net Investment Income Tax: Additional 3.8% for high earners
- Depreciation Recapture: Up to 25% on real estate depreciation
Capital Loss Rules
- Capital losses offset capital gains dollar-for-dollar
- Net capital losses offset up to $3,000 of ordinary income
- Excess losses carry forward indefinitely
- Wash sale rule: 30-day restriction on repurchasing identical securities
Tax Planning Strategies
- Hold for 1+ years: Qualify for lower long-term rates
- Tax-loss harvesting: Realize losses to offset gains
- Asset location: Hold growth investments in tax-advantaged accounts
- Charitable giving: Donate appreciated assets instead of cash
- Installment sales: Spread gains over multiple years
- Opportunity Zones: Defer and potentially reduce gains