When is a gain long-term?

Generally when held more than 12 months. Shorter holding periods use ordinary income (short-term) rates.

Does this include state taxes?

No. Add state/local impacts separately for a full picture.

What about wash sale rules?

This tool does not model wash sales; they can defer losses if you repurchase substantially identical securities.

How do fees affect my gain?

Include commissions and fees in cost basis to reduce the taxable gain.

Are crypto gains taxed the same way?

Yes, crypto is typically treated as property; holding period determines long vs short-term. Check local rules.

finance calculator

Capital Gains Tax Calculator

Estimate tax on a sale using holding period and short vs long-term rates.

Results

Capital gain/loss: $8,000 USD
Estimated tax: $1,200 USD
Effective rate: 15.00%

How to use this calculator

Enter cost basis and sale proceeds.
Add holding period in months and long/short-term rates.
Review gain/loss, estimated tax, and effective rate.

Inputs explained

Cost basis: What you paid for the asset including fees (for stock/crypto/etc.).
Sale proceeds: What you sold the asset for, before taxes/commissions.
Holding period (months): Months held; 12+ months typically qualifies for long-term rates.
Long-term rate %: Your estimated long-term capital gains rate.
Short-term rate %: Ordinary income rate applied to short-term gains.

How it works

Gains held 12+ months use the long-term rate; shorter uses the short-term rate.

Tax only applies if the gain is positive.

Formula

Gain = Proceeds − Basis
Tax = Gain × (short-term or long-term rate)

When to use it

Checking tax impact before selling stock, crypto, or other assets.
Comparing selling now vs waiting for long-term treatment.
Estimating tax on partial liquidations for rebalancing.

Tips & cautions

Holding 12+ months usually lowers the rate; check if waiting crosses that threshold.
Include commissions/fees in basis for more accurate gains.
Use real tax brackets for precise estimates; this tool is a simplified snapshot.
Does not model tax brackets, NIIT, wash sales, or state/local taxes.
Assumes a single buy and sell lot; complex lots need detailed tracking.

Worked examples

Buy $20k, sell $28k after 14 months

Gain = $8k
Tax @15% = $1.2k

Buy $10k, sell $9k after 6 months

Gain = -$1k
Tax = $0

Deep dive

This capital gains calculator estimates tax on a sale using your holding period and long/short-term rates. Enter basis, proceeds, months held, and rates to see your gain/loss, estimated tax, and effective rate.

Use it to decide whether to wait for long-term treatment, plan rebalancing sales, or gauge taxes on crypto and stock trades before year-end.

FAQs

When is a gain long-term?: Generally when held more than 12 months. Shorter holding periods use ordinary income (short-term) rates.
Does this include state taxes?: No. Add state/local impacts separately for a full picture.
What about wash sale rules?: This tool does not model wash sales; they can defer losses if you repurchase substantially identical securities.
How do fees affect my gain?: Include commissions and fees in cost basis to reduce the taxable gain.
Are crypto gains taxed the same way?: Yes, crypto is typically treated as property; holding period determines long vs short-term. Check local rules.

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Simplified for estimation. Excludes wash sales, brackets, surcharges. Not tax advice.