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Capital Gains Tax Calculator

Estimate tax on an investment gain.

Reviewed by the Calculation Machine team · How we check our maths

Your values

ⓘ Live results

Results
Capital gain
$14,500.00
Estimated tax
$2,175.00
Net after tax
$32,325.00
Effective return
72.5%
Treatment
Long-term (preferential rate)

Working

  1. 1Tax = $14,500.00 × 15% = $2,175.00

Quick answer

Assets held over a year usually qualify for lower long-term capital gains rates than ordinary income rates.

The formula

Tax = (proceeds − basis) × rate

Worked example

Worked example

Using the values the calculator loads with.

Inputs

  • Purchase price (cost basis)20000 $
  • Sale proceeds34500 $
  • Holding period1 year or more
  • Your tax rate15 %

Result

  • Capital gain$14,500.00
  • Estimated tax$2,175.00
  • Net after tax$32,325.00
  • Effective return72.5%
  • TreatmentLong-term (preferential rate)

How to use the Capital Gains Tax Calculator

  1. 1Enter your original cost basis.
  2. 2Enter the sale proceeds.
  3. 3Set your applicable capital gains rate.

Frequently asked questions

Why does one year matter?

In the US, gains on assets held over a year are taxed at 0/15/20% rather than your ordinary income rate, which can exceed 37%.

Can losses offset gains?

Yes. Realised losses offset gains, and in the US up to $3,000 of net loss can offset ordinary income each year.

About this calculator

How capital gains are taxed

A capital gain is the sale price minus your cost basis (what you paid plus fees). In the US, assets held more than a year qualify for long-term rates of 0%, 15% or 20% depending on income; assets held a year or less are taxed as ordinary income.

The calculator estimates the tax on a single sale. Your actual bill depends on your full return, including other gains, losses and state tax.

Ways to reduce the bill

  • Holding past one year can drop the rate significantly.
  • Losses on other investments can offset gains (tax-loss harvesting).
  • Gains inside tax-advantaged retirement accounts are not taxed on sale.
  • Keep records of purchase dates and prices — your broker's basis report helps.

Sources

More questions

What is cost basis?

The original price plus purchase costs, adjusted for things like reinvested dividends or stock splits.

Do I pay capital gains tax if I reinvest?

Yes, selling triggers the gain even if you buy something else.