Capital Gains Tax Rates 2026: Projected Rates and Thresholds
The capital gains tax rates for 2026 have not yet been officially announced. The rates of 0%, 15%, and 20% are expected to remain unchanged. Income thresholds for each rate are projected to increase slightly from 2025 levels based on inflation adjustments. This page will be updated when official figures are released.
Three rates — same as 2025, thresholds slightly higher
Official IRS amounts expected October 2026. Based on ~2.5% inflation adjustment.
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Estimated 2026 Long-Term Capital Gains Brackets by Filing Status
All thresholds below are projections based on approximately 2.5% inflation adjustment applied to 2025 figures. Select your filing status below.
| Rate | Projected Threshold | 2025 Actual |
|---|---|---|
| 0% | Up to ~$49,500 projected | Was $48,350 in 2025 |
| 15% | ~$49,500 to ~$546,400 projected | Was $48,350 to $533,400 in 2025 |
| 20% | Over ~$546,400 projected | Was $533,400 in 2025 |
| Rate | Projected Threshold | 2025 Actual |
|---|---|---|
| 0% | Up to ~$99,100 projected | Was $96,700 in 2025 |
| 15% | ~$99,100 to ~$615,100 projected | Was $96,700 to $600,050 in 2025 |
| 20% | Over ~$615,100 projected | Was $600,050 in 2025 |
| Rate | Projected Threshold | 2025 Actual |
|---|---|---|
| 0% | Up to ~$66,400 projected | Was $64,750 in 2025 |
| 15% | ~$66,400 to ~$580,900 projected | Was $64,750 to $566,700 in 2025 |
| 20% | Over ~$580,900 projected | Was $566,700 in 2025 |
| Rate | Projected Threshold | 2025 Actual |
|---|---|---|
| 0% | Up to ~$49,500 projected | Was $48,350 in 2025 |
| 15% | ~$49,500 to ~$307,500 projected | Was $48,350 to $300,000 in 2025 |
| 20% | Over ~$307,500 projected | Was $300,000 in 2025 |
NIIT thresholds are not inflation-adjusted. Unlike capital gains brackets, the Net Investment Income Tax thresholds ($200,000 single, $250,000 married jointly) are set by statute and do not change with inflation unless Congress acts. The 3.8% NIIT is expected to apply at the same income levels in 2026.
How 2026 Rates Compare to 2025
2025 (Official, Single Filer)
2026 (Projected, Single Filer)
Planning takeaway: The projected 2026 thresholds are roughly $1,100 higher than 2025 for single filers. This means a small gain that might have fallen just into the 15% bracket in 2025 could fall into the 0% bracket in 2026 if your other income stays the same. The difference is modest but worth noting if you are near a threshold.
How 2026 Capital Gains Tax Is Calculated in Practice
A single filer with $55,000 of ordinary taxable income sells stock held for 18 months, realizing a $28,000 long-term capital gain. Here is how the 2026 projected rates apply.
Single filer, $55,000 ordinary taxable income, $28,000 long-term gain (2026 projected)
Compare to 2025: Under 2025 rates, the same filer with the same income would pay the same 15% on the full $28,000 gain — the 0% threshold in 2025 is $48,350 for single filers, and $55,000 already exceeds it. The 2026 threshold is projected at ~$49,500, which still doesn't help this filer. However, a filer with $48,500 of ordinary income would save ~$150 in 2026 vs. 2025 on the same gain, as a larger portion falls in the 0% bracket.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Use 2026 Capital Gains Rates in Your Planning
Knowing the rates is only part of the picture. How you manage the timing and amount of your gains can significantly change your tax outcome in 2026.
The 0% Rate Window
For 2026, the 0% long-term capital gains rate applies to single filers with taxable income up to $48,350 and married filers up to $96,700 (including the gain itself). If you have a low-income year -- due to retirement, a career gap, or other factors -- this window is an opportunity to realize gains tax-free. Gains harvested at 0% today avoid the higher rates you would pay in higher-income years.
How Gains Stack on Ordinary Income
Long-term capital gains are not taxed in isolation -- they stack on top of your ordinary taxable income. If your ordinary income is $40,000 (single filer) and you have a $20,000 long-term gain, only $8,350 of the gain falls in the 0% bracket. The remaining $11,650 is taxed at 15%. This stacking effect means your gains rate depends partly on how much other income you have.
NIIT and High-Income Filers
For filers with modified AGI above $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married), the 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax applies on top of the regular capital gains rate. This brings the effective federal rate to 18.8% (15% + 3.8%) or 23.8% (20% + 3.8%) depending on income. Combined with state income taxes, high earners in California or New York can face total capital gains rates approaching 35-40%.
Key Dates for 2026
Assets sold by December 31, 2026 are reported on your 2026 tax return (due April 2027). To qualify for long-term treatment, you must have held the asset for more than one year before the sale date. Assets purchased before December 31, 2025 and sold after December 31, 2026 automatically qualify as long-term if held continuously.
Use our capital gains tax calculator to model your specific gain scenario at 2026 rates, and compare to our 2025 capital gains rates page to evaluate whether timing your sale across tax years makes sense.
Disclaimer: The 2026 capital gains tax thresholds on this page are projections based on current inflation data and are not official IRS figures. This page is for educational planning purposes only and is not tax, legal, or financial advice. Always use confirmed IRS figures for filing decisions. Consult a qualified tax professional before making investment or tax decisions.