Capital gains tax on $50,000
On a $50,000 long-term gain in 2026, federal tax runs from $0 (single, no other income) to $9,400 (single, $250,000 income). Selling within a year can cost much more.
Calculate with my incomeFederal tax on a $50,000 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 | $5,168 | $0 | $5,168 | 10.3% |
| Single, $100,000 income | $7,500 | $0 | $7,500 | 15.0% |
| Single, $250,000 income | $7,500 | $1,900 | $9,400 | 18.8% |
| Married filing jointly, $100,000 income | $2,835 | $0 | $2,835 | 5.7% |
| Married filing jointly, $250,000 income | $7,500 | $1,900 | $9,400 | 18.8% |
| Single, $100,000 income, held under a year | $11,564 | $0 | $11,564 | 23.1% |
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
$7,500
on a $50,000 long-term gain
Effective rate: 15.0%
85%you keep
Net gain (you keep)$42,500
Federal CGT$7,500
| Capital gain | $50,000 |
| Federal long-term rate | 15.0% |
| Federal CGT | $7,500 |
| Total federal tax | $7,500 |
| Total tax | $7,500 |
| Net gain after tax | $42,500 |
Estimate only — 2026 IRS federal rates plus approximate state top marginal rates. Consult a tax professional before acting on these numbers.