Capital Gains Tax Calculator
Calculate capital gains tax on stocks, real estate, or any asset.
📊 Finance📐 Tax = Gain × Rate
Purchase price ($)
Sale price ($)
Please enter valid values.
Formula & Reference
| Variable | Formula | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Capital Gains Tax Calculator | Tax = Gain × Rate | $ tax |
Step-by-Step Examples
Example 1
$10K buy, $25K sell
$15,000 gain.
- Long-term: $2,250 | Short-term: $3,300
- Hold 1yr+ saves $1,050
✓ $2,250 vs $3,300
Example 2
Stock at a loss
Buy $20K, sell $12K.
- Loss: -$8,000 | Offsets other capital gains
✓ $8,000 capital loss
Example 3
Home sale
$300K+ profit often partially excluded.
- $250K exclusion (single), $500K (married)
✓ Exclusion often applies
Real-World Applications
Investors
Plan tax impact of selling.
Real Estate
Calculate gain on property sale.
Tax Filers
Estimate taxes on investment gains.
Planners
Advise on optimal selling strategy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
⚠️
Selling just before 1 year
Wait one day past 12 months: ordinary rate drops to 15%/20% long-term rate.
⚠️
Not harvesting losses
Sell losing positions to offset gains — repurchase after 30 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Long-term vs short-term rates? ▾
Long-term (1yr+): 0%, 15%, or 20%. Short-term (<1yr): ordinary income 10-37%.
Home sale exclusion? ▾
Single: $250K. Married: $500K. Must live there 2 of past 5 years.
What is cost basis? ▾
What you paid including commissions. Reduces taxable gain. Track everything.