Precision Utility
Capital Gains Tax
Calculator
Long-Term Max Rate
20%
NIIT Surtax
3.8%
Estimate your federal capital gains tax on stocks, real estate, crypto and other investments. Enter your purchase price, sale price, filing status and holding period to see whether short-term or long-term rates apply. The calculator uses 2025 IRS tax brackets and includes the 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax for high earners, so you can see your total tax liability and net profit after tax instantly.
Investment Details
Estimated Capital Gains Tax
$0
Capital Gain / Loss
$0
Tax Rate Applied
0%
Estimated Tax
$0
Net Profit After Tax
$0
Capital loss: You can deduct up to $3,000 of net capital losses against ordinary income per year. Remaining losses carry forward to future tax years.
Net Investment Income Tax: Your income exceeds the NIIT threshold. An additional 3.8% surtax of $0 has been included in your total tax.
How the capital gains tax calculator works
Start by entering your purchase price (also called cost basis) — the amount you originally paid for the asset. Then enter the sale price you received or expect to receive. The calculator subtracts the purchase price from the sale price to determine your capital gain or loss.
Next, select your filing status and enter your taxable income excluding the capital gain. This information is essential because both short-term and long-term capital gains tax rates depend on your total taxable income and how you file your federal return.
Choose whether the asset was held for less than one year (short-term) or one year or longer (long-term). Short-term gains are taxed at ordinary income tax rates ranging from 10% to 37%. Long-term gains receive preferential rates of 0%, 15% or 20% depending on your income bracket.
The calculator also checks whether the 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax applies based on your modified adjusted gross income. It then displays your estimated federal capital gains tax, the effective rate applied and your net profit after tax.
What you need to know about capital gains tax in 2025
The IRS taxes capital gains differently depending on how long you held the asset. Understanding these rates can save you thousands of dollars in taxes each year.
Long-term capital gains rates for 2025 are based on your taxable income and filing status. Single filers pay 0% on gains up to $48,350, 15% on gains from $48,351 to $533,400 and 20% on gains above $533,400. For married filing jointly, the thresholds are $96,700 for the 0% bracket, $600,050 for the 15% bracket and 20% above that. Married filing separately uses half the joint thresholds. Head of household filers pay 0% up to $64,750, 15% up to $566,700 and 20% above.
Short-term capital gains apply to assets held for one year or less and are taxed as ordinary income. The 2025 federal income tax brackets range from 10% to 37%, meaning short-term gains can face significantly higher tax rates than long-term gains.
Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT) is an additional 3.8% surtax on investment income — including capital gains — for taxpayers whose modified adjusted gross income exceeds $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married filing jointly). This surtax was introduced as part of the Affordable Care Act and applies on top of your regular capital gains tax rate.
Capital losses can offset capital gains dollar for dollar. If your losses exceed your gains in a given year, you can deduct up to $3,000 of net losses against your ordinary income ($1,500 if married filing separately). Any unused losses carry forward indefinitely to future tax years.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital gains tax rate for 2025?
For 2025, long-term capital gains tax rates are 0%, 15% or 20% depending on your taxable income and filing status. Short-term capital gains are taxed at your ordinary income tax rate, which ranges from 10% to 37%. High earners may also owe a 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax.
How do I calculate capital gains tax on stocks?
Subtract your purchase price (cost basis) from the sale price to find your capital gain. If you held the stock for more than one year, long-term rates apply (0%, 15% or 20%). If you held it for one year or less, the gain is taxed as ordinary income at your marginal tax rate.
What is the difference between short-term and long-term capital gains?
Short-term capital gains apply to assets held 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 receive preferential rates of 0%, 15% or 20%, resulting in significantly lower taxes for most taxpayers.
What is the Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT)?
The NIIT is an additional 3.8% tax on investment income including capital gains. It applies when your modified adjusted gross income exceeds $200,000 for single filers or $250,000 for married filing jointly. The tax applies to the lesser of your net investment income or the amount over the threshold.
Can I deduct capital losses on my tax return?
Yes. Capital losses offset capital gains dollar for dollar. If your total losses exceed your gains, you can deduct up to $3,000 of net capital losses against ordinary income per year ($1,500 if married filing separately). Any remaining losses carry forward to future tax years.
How do I reduce my capital gains tax bill?
Hold investments for more than one year to qualify for lower long-term rates. Use tax-loss harvesting to offset gains with losses. Contribute to tax-advantaged accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs. Time your sales in years when your income is lower to potentially qualify for the 0% long-term rate.