Taxes shouldn’t drive investment decisions, but understanding the tax consequences of selling an investment can provide some much-needed insight. This calculator is for informational purposes only and isn’t a replacement for real-life advice — consult your tax, legal, and accounting professionals if you have specific questions about long- and short-term capital gains.
How the estimate works
Move the sliders for your sale price and cost basis, choose whether the sale was long-term or short-term, and pick the tax bracket closest to your situation. The calculator applies the matching federal rate to your gain and shows an estimated tax owed.
Long-term vs. short-term gains
- Long-term — the asset was held for more than one year before selling. Taxed at the lower long-term capital gains rates (0%, 15%, or 20%, depending on income).
- Short-term — the asset was held for one year or less. Taxed as ordinary income, at your regular federal tax bracket.
What can change your actual tax bill
| Factor | How it affects the gain |
|---|---|
| Filing status | Married filing jointly, single, and head of household each have different bracket thresholds. |
| Other taxable income | Your capital gain stacks on top of your other income, which can push part of it into a higher bracket. |
| Net Investment Income Tax | An additional 3.8% may apply above certain income thresholds — not included in this estimate. |
| State taxes | Most states tax capital gains separately; this calculator only estimates the federal portion. |
This calculator gives a starting estimate, not a tax return. For a number you can rely on, bring your specific numbers to a conversation with our team.