Capital gains tax on $20,000
On a $20,000 long-term gain in 2026, federal tax runs from $0 (single, no other income) to $3,760 (single, $250,000 income). Selling within a year can cost much more.
Calculate with my incomeFederal tax on a $20,000 gain
| Situation | Capital gains tax | NIIT (3.8%) | Total federal | Effective rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single, no other income | $0 | $0 | $0 | 0.0% |
| Single, $50,000 income | $668 | $0 | $668 | 3.3% |
| Single, $100,000 income | $3,000 | $0 | $3,000 | 15.0% |
| Single, $250,000 income | $3,000 | $760 | $3,760 | 18.8% |
| Married filing jointly, $100,000 income | $0 | $0 | $0 | 0.0% |
| Married filing jointly, $250,000 income | $3,000 | $760 | $3,760 | 18.8% |
| Single, $100,000 income, held under a year | $4,400 | $0 | $4,400 | 22.0% |
Long-term gains are taxed at 0%, 15% or 20% depending on where the gain lands on top of your other taxable income, after the standard deduction. The 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax applies to the part of the gain that takes your income above $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married filing jointly). Short-term gains are taxed as ordinary income at up to 37%.
State tax comes on top in most states. See the rate for California, New York, Texas, Florida or any other state from the list on the home page.
Your details
$
Income before capital gains. The 2026 standard deduction is subtracted automatically$
Sale price minus your cost basis (what you originally paid)2026 IRS rates — Rev. Proc. 2025-32
Your tax estimate
Estimated total tax on the gain
$3,000
on a $20,000 long-term gain
Effective rate: 15.0%
85%you keep
Net gain (you keep)$17,000
Federal CGT$3,000
| Capital gain | $20,000 |
| Federal long-term rate | 15.0% |
| Federal CGT | $3,000 |
| Total federal tax | $3,000 |
| Total tax | $3,000 |
| Net gain after tax | $17,000 |
Estimate only — 2026 IRS federal rates plus approximate state top marginal rates. Consult a tax professional before acting on these numbers.