How much Capital Gains Tax on $250,000?

On a $250,000 long-term gain, US federal CGT depends on your income. At $40k income: $39,866. At $100k income: $43,200. At $250k income: $47,000 (includes 3.8% NIIT).

What is short-term vs long-term tax on $250,000?

Long-term gains (held 1+ year) are taxed at 0%, 15%, or 20%. Short-term gains are taxed as ordinary income (up to 37%). On $250,000: Long-term ~$43,200 vs Short-term ~$60,700 at $100k income.

How much do I keep from a $250,000 capital gain?

From a $250,000 long-term gain, you keep: $210,134 (0% bracket), $206,800 (15% bracket), or $203,000 (20% + NIIT bracket). Short-term gains at $100k income leave you with approximately $189,300.

What is the Net Investment Income Tax on $250,000?

The 3.8% NIIT applies to the lesser of your net investment income or MAGI exceeding $200,000 (single). On a $250,000 gain with $250k income, NIIT adds $9,500 to your federal tax bill.

2025 Tax Year

Capital Gains Tax on $250,000

Your tax depends on holding period and income. Long-term CGT ranges from $39,866 to $47,000 depending on your income level.

CGT on $250,000 by Holding Period & Income

Long-term (0% rate)

$39,866

Income under $47k

Long-term (15% rate)

$43,200

$100k income

Long-term + NIIT

$47,000

$250k income

Short-term

$60,700

As ordinary income

NIIT Threshold Consideration

A $250,000 gain may trigger the 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT) if your modified AGI exceeds $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married). Factor this into your planning.

•Calculate if NIIT applies to your total investment income
•Consider tax-advantaged investments (municipal bonds, etc.)
•Qualified Opportunity Zone investments can defer/reduce CGT
•Charitable remainder trusts can help manage large gains

Asset Sale Details

Calculate capital gains tax for 2025

Asset Type

Holding Period

Long-term gains taxed at preferential rates (0%, 15%, or 20%)

Cost Basis (Purchase Price)

Sale Price

Selling Costs (fees, commissions)

Your Other Annual Income

Determines your capital gains tax bracket

Filing Status

Capital Gains Tax

Long-term • 15.0% effective rate

Capital Gains Tax Due

$6,750

Sale Price$250,000

Cost Basis−$200,000

Selling Costs−$5,000

Gross Gain$45,000

Taxable Gain$45,000

Federal Tax (15%)−$6,750

Net Proceeds$38,250

2025 Capital Gains Tax Rates

Long-Term Rates (held 1+ year)

0% Rate0%

Up to $47,025 (single)

15% Rate15%

$47,025 - $518,900 (single)

20% Rate20%

Over $518,900 (single)

Short-Term & Additional Taxes

Short-Term Rate10-37%

Taxed as ordinary income (your marginal tax rate)

NIIT (high earners)+3.8%

Income over $200,000 (single) / $250,000 (married)

Primary Home ExclusionUp to $500k

$250,000 single / $500,000 married

Capital gains "stack" on top of ordinary income. Your tax rate depends on your total taxable income. State taxes may also apply depending on your state of residence.

What You Keep from a $250,000 Gain

After federal CGT, here's what stays in your pocket (excluding state taxes)

Long-Term (1+ Year)

0% Bracket

Income under $47,025

$210,134

Tax: $39,866

15% Bracket

$47,025 - $518,900

$206,800

Tax: $43,200

20% + NIIT

$250k+ income

$203,000

Tax: $47,000

Short-Term (<1 Year)

Ordinary Income Rates

At $100k income (22% bracket)

$189,300

Tax: $60,700

Holding Period Matters: By holding for 1+ year, you could save $17,500 in federal taxes on this $250,000 gain.

Real-World Example: Stock Investment

S&P 500 Index Fund Investment

Let's say you invested in an index fund and held it for 3 years

Original investment$625,000

Sale price$875,000

Capital gain+$250,000

Federal CGT (15% bracket)-$43,200

Net profit after tax$206,800

Note: This example assumes $100k annual income (15% LTCG bracket) and doesn't include state taxes, which vary by state (0% in TX, FL, NV vs up to 13.3% in CA). Some states have no capital gains tax while others tax it as ordinary income.

Long-Term CGT on $250,000

If you held the asset for more than one year, you qualify for preferential long-term rates. On a $250,000 gain, you'd pay $39,866 at 0% rate (low income), $43,200 at 15% rate (middle income), or $47,000 at 20% + NIIT (high income).

Short-Term CGT on $250,000

Assets held one year or less are taxed at ordinary income rates (10-37%). On $250,000, you'd pay approximately $60,700 at the 22% bracket. Consider holding assets longer than one year to save on taxes.