Capital gains tax on $500,000
On a $500,000 long-term gain in 2026, federal tax runs from $76,568 (single, no other income) to $103,420 (single, $250,000 income). Selling within a year can cost much more.
Calculate with my incomeFederal tax on a $500,000 gain
| Situation | Capital gains tax | NIIT (3.8%) | Total federal | Effective rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single, no other income | $65,168 | $11,400 | $76,568 | 15.3% |
| Single, $50,000 income | $72,668 | $13,300 | $85,968 | 17.2% |
| Single, $100,000 income | $76,920 | $15,200 | $92,120 | 18.4% |
| Single, $250,000 income | $84,420 | $19,000 | $103,420 | 20.7% |
| Married filing jointly, $100,000 income | $70,335 | $13,300 | $83,635 | 16.7% |
| Married filing jointly, $250,000 income | $80,205 | $19,000 | $99,205 | 19.8% |
| Single, $100,000 income, held under a year | $159,964 | $15,200 | $175,164 | 35.0% |
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
$89,920
on a $500,000 long-term gain
Effective rate: 18.0%
82%you keep
Net gain (you keep)$410,080
Federal CGT$75,670
NIIT (3.8%)$14,250
| Capital gain | $500,000 |
| Federal long-term rate | 15.1% |
| Federal CGT | $75,670 |
| Net Investment Income Tax (3.8%) | $14,250 |
| Total federal tax | $89,920 |
| Total tax | $89,920 |
| Net gain after tax | $410,080 |
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.