Capital Gains Tax 2026: A Complete Guide for Investors

March 14, 2026 · 5 min read

If you sell stocks, real estate, or other investments at a profit, you owe capital gains tax. The rate depends on how long you held the asset. Calculate your tax with our Capital Gains Tax Calculator.

Short-Term vs Long-Term

Short-term (held <1 year): Taxed as ordinary income (10-37%). Long-term (held 1+ year): Preferential rates of 0%, 15%, or 20%. Always try to hold for at least one year. Find your bracket with our Tax Bracket Calculator.

Tax-Loss Harvesting

Sell losing investments to offset gains. Up to $3,000 of net losses can offset ordinary income. Track your returns with our ROI Calculator.

Tax-Advantaged Accounts

Gains inside a Roth IRA or 401K are not subject to capital gains tax. Maximize these accounts before investing in taxable accounts.