Capital gains tax on $250,000
On a $250,000 long-term gain in 2026, federal tax runs from $29,568 (single, no other income) to $47,000 (single, $250,000 income). Selling within a year can cost much more.
Calculate with my incomeFederal tax on a $250,000 gain
| Situation | Capital gains tax | NIIT (3.8%) | Total federal | Effective rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single, no other income | $27,668 | $1,900 | $29,568 | 11.8% |
| Single, $50,000 income | $35,168 | $3,800 | $38,968 | 15.6% |
| Single, $100,000 income | $37,500 | $5,700 | $43,200 | 17.3% |
| Single, $250,000 income | $37,500 | $9,500 | $47,000 | 18.8% |
| Married filing jointly, $100,000 income | $32,835 | $3,800 | $36,635 | 14.7% |
| Married filing jointly, $250,000 income | $37,500 | $9,500 | $47,000 | 18.8% |
| Single, $100,000 income, held under a year | $72,464 | $5,700 | $78,164 | 31.3% |
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
$42,250
on a $250,000 long-term gain
Effective rate: 16.9%
83%you keep
Net gain (you keep)$207,750
Federal CGT$37,500
NIIT (3.8%)$4,750
| Capital gain | $250,000 |
| Federal long-term rate | 15.0% |
| Federal CGT | $37,500 |
| Net Investment Income Tax (3.8%) | $4,750 |
| Total federal tax | $42,250 |
| Total tax | $42,250 |
| Net gain after tax | $207,750 |
Ways to reduce this bill
- You owe the 3.8% NIIT because your income exceeds the threshold. Tax-loss harvesting other positions this year can directly offset it.
Estimate only — 2026 IRS federal rates plus approximate state top marginal rates. Consult a tax professional before acting on these numbers.