What is the difference between short-term and long-term capital gains?

Assets held one year or less are short-term and taxed as ordinary income. Assets held over one year qualify for long-term rates of 0%, 15% or 20% depending on income.

When does the 3.8% NIIT apply?

The Net Investment Income Tax applies to investment income above $200,000 MAGI for single filers and $250,000 for married filing jointly.

Capital Gains Tax Calculator

Estimate US federal tax on stocks, ETFs, crypto, NFTs and RSU/ESPP sales using 2026 brackets. Single-filer estimate.

Annual wages / ordinary income

Short-term capital gains

Held one year or less — taxed as ordinary income.

Long-term capital gains

Held more than one year — 0/15/20% brackets.

Cost basis (informational)

If you'd like to track total gain net of basis.

Federal ordinary tax

$17,570

Long-term gains tax

$3,000

NIIT (3.8%)

Total federal tax

$20,570

Effective rate on total income

14.69%

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Wash-sale rule: losses on securities repurchased within 30 days are disallowed. State capital gains tax not included — most states tax gains as ordinary income.