Capital Gains Tax In USA
A capital gains tax is a tax imposed on the sale of an asset. The long-term capital gains tax rates for the 2023 and 2024 tax years are 0%, 15%, or 20% of the profit, depending on the income of the filer.
An investor will owe long-term capital gains tax on the profits of any investment owned for at least one year. If the investor owns the investment for one year or less, short-term capital gains tax applies. The short-term rate is determined by the taxpayer's ordinary income bracket.
A capital gains tax is a tax imposed on the sale of an asset. The long-term capital gains tax rates for the 2023 and 2024 tax years are 0%, 15%, or 20% of the profit, depending on the income of the filer.
An investor will owe long-term capital gains tax on the profits of any investment owned for at least one year. If the investor owns the investment for one year or less, short-term capital gains tax applies. The short-term rate is determined by the taxpayer's ordinary income bracket.
Types of Capital Gains
Short-Term Capital Gains:
Short-Term Capital Gains Tax means gains from assets held for one year or less.
Taxed at ordinary income tax rates, which can range from 10% to 37%, depending on your taxable income.
Long-Term Capital Gains:
Long-Term Capital Gains Tax means gains from assets held for more than one year.
Taxed at lower rates, which are typically 0%, 15%, or 20%, depending on your taxable income.
Tax Rates for Long-Term Capital Gains (2024)
0% Rate: For single filers with taxable income up to $44,625, and married couples filing jointly with income up to $89,250.
15% Rate: For single filers with taxable income between $44,626 and $492,300, and married couples filing jointly with income between $89,251 and $553,850.
20% Rate: For single filers with taxable income over $492,300, and married couples filing jointly with income over $553,850.
Special Cases
Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT): An additional 3.8% tax may apply to individuals with high income (e.g., single filers with modified adjusted gross income over $200,000, or married couples filing jointly with income over $250,000).
Collectibles: Long-term capital gains on collectibles (such as coins, art, and precious metals) are taxed at a maximum rate of 28%.
Qualified Small Business Stock: Gains may be eligible for a partial exclusion.
Real Estate: Primary residences can have exclusions on capital gains ($250,000 for single filers, $500,000 for married couples filing jointly) if certain conditions are met.
Calculating Capital Gains
1.Determine the Basis: The basis is usually the purchase price of the asset, including any commissions or fees.
2.Calculate the Gain or Loss: Subtract the basis from the selling price.
3.Determine the Holding Period: Establish whether the gain is short-term or long-term.
4.Apply the Appropriate Tax Rate: Depending on the holding period and income, apply the corresponding tax rate.
Reporting and Paying Capital Gains Tax
IRS Forms: Report capital gains on IRS Form 8949 and Schedule D of Form 1040.
Estimated Taxes: If you expect to owe a significant amount of capital gains tax, you may need to make estimated tax payments throughout the year.