The capital gains tax refers to the imposed charge on the earnings gained by an investor upon the sale of an investment. It is payable for the specific tax year in which the investment is sold.
The rates for long-term capital gains tax during the years 2022 and 2023 are categorized as 0%, 15%, or 20% of the profit, depending on the income level of the taxpayer. These income brackets are subject to annual adjustments.
If an investor possesses an investment for at least one year, they will be liable to pay long-term capital gains tax on any profits generated. Conversely, if the investment is held for one year or less, short-term capital gains tax is applicable. The short-term tax rate is determined by the investor’s ordinary income bracket. In most cases, this bracket entails a higher tax rate compared to the capital gains rate, except for the highest-earning individuals.
IMPORTANT POINTS TO NOTE
Here are some important points to remember about capital gains taxes:
- Capital gains taxes are applicable when an investment is sold, not during its ownership.
- These taxes specifically apply to “capital assets,” which encompass various items such as stocks, bonds, digital assets like cryptocurrencies and NFTs, jewelry, coin collections, and real estate.
- Long-term gains taxes are imposed on profits earned from investments held for a period exceeding one year.
- On the other hand, short-term gains taxes are calculated based on the individual’s regular income tax rate. For the majority of individuals, this rate tends to be higher than the tax rate for long-term gains.
Understanding the Capital Gains Tax #
The Capital Gains Tax is applicable when taxable investment assets, such as stocks, are sold, resulting in realized profits. It’s important to note that the tax does not apply to investments that haven’t been sold or to unrealized capital gains. Regardless of how long shares are held or the extent of their value appreciation, taxes are incurred only upon their sale.
In the United States, the current federal tax policy stipulates that the capital gains tax rate is imposed solely on profits derived from the sale of assets held for more than one year, known as “long-term capital gains.” These rates range from 0% to 15% or 20%, depending on the taxpayer’s annual tax bracket.
For most taxpayers, the tax rate on their regular income is higher than that on long-term capital gains. Consequently, there is a financial incentive to hold investments for at least one year, as the tax on resulting profits will be lower.
It is crucial for day traders and individuals engaged in online trading to be aware that any profits obtained from buying and selling assets held for less than a year are not only taxed but taxed at a higher rate than long-term assets.
Taxable capital gains for a given year can be reduced by offsetting them with capital losses incurred during the same year. In other words, the tax is calculated based on the net capital gain. While there is a maximum limit of $3,000 per year for reported net losses, any remaining losses can be carried forward to subsequent tax years.
Capital Gains Tax Rates for 2022 and 2023 #
When an asset is sold within a year of its purchase, the profit is generally treated as part of your earned income or ordinary income for tax purposes. It is added to your tax return accordingly.
The same principle typically applies to dividends received from an asset, even though they are not classified as capital gains. In the United States, dividends are taxed as ordinary income for taxpayers in the 15% and higher tax brackets.
However, a different system is in place for long-term capital gains. The tax on assets held for over a year and sold at a profit is determined by a rate schedule based on the taxpayer’s taxable income for that specific year. These rates are adjusted annually to account for inflation.
Below are the capital gains tax rates for the tax years 2022 and 2023: (Please note that the tables are not provided as the response format is limited.)
| 2022 Tax Rates for Long-Term Capital Gains | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Filing Status | 0% | 15% | 20% |
| Single | Up to $41,675 | $41,675 to $459,750 | Over $459,750 |
| Head of household | Up to $55,800 | $55,800 to $488,500 | Over $488,500 |
| Married filing jointly and surviving spouse | Up to $83,350 | $83,350 to $517,200 | Over $517,200 |
| Married filing separately | Up to $41,675 | $41,675 to $258,600 | Over $258,600 |
| 2023 Tax Rates for Long-Term Capital Gains | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Filing Status | 0% | 15% | 20% |
| Single | Up to $44,625 | $44,626 to $492,300 | Over $492,300 |
| Head of household | Up to $59,750 | $59,751 to $523,050 | Over $523,050 |
| Married filing jointly and surviving spouse | Up to $89,250 | $89,251 to $553,850 | Over $553,850 |
| Married filing separately | Up to $44,625 | $44,626 to $276,900 | Over $276,900 |
The tax rates for long-term capital gains align with the prevailing trend of taxing capital gains at lower rates compared to individual income. This is illustrated in the accompanying table, highlighting the relative tax rates for long-term capital gains and individual income.
Exceptions and Special Rates for Capital Gains #
Certain categories of assets receive different tax treatment for capital gains.
Collectibles #
Assets like art, antiques, jewelry, precious metals, and stamp collections are taxed at a fixed rate of 28%, irrespective of income. Even if your income falls within a lower tax bracket, the 28% rate will apply. However, if you are in a higher tax bracket, your capital gains tax will still be limited to the 28% rate.
Owner-Occupied Real Estate #
Special rules apply to capital gains from the sale of a principal residence. Individuals can exclude up to $250,000 of capital gains from their taxable income ($500,000 for married couples filing jointly) if they have owned and lived in the home for at least two years. It’s important to note that capital losses from the sale of personal property, such as a home, cannot be deducted from gains.
Investment Real Estate #
Investors who own real estate can claim depreciation deductions based on the property’s aging condition. This depreciation deduction reduces the initial purchase price of the property, potentially increasing the taxable capital gain upon sale. The recaptured amount from depreciation deductions is taxed at a rate of 25%. The remaining capital gains are taxed at 0%, 15%, or 20%, depending on the investor’s income.
Investment Exceptions #
High-income individuals may be subject to an additional tax called the net investment income tax, which imposes an extra 3.8% tax on investment income, including capital gains, if their modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) exceeds certain thresholds.
Calculating Capital Gains #
To calculate taxable gains for the year, capital losses can be deducted from capital gains. The process becomes more complex when there are both short-term and long-term gains and losses.
Separate the short-term gains and losses from the long-term gains and losses. Total the short-term gains and losses to determine the net short-term gain or loss. Repeat the same process for the long-term gains and losses.
The majority of individuals rely on tax software or professionals to calculate their taxes, as these tools automatically handle the computations. However, if you wish to estimate your potential or realized tax liability from a sale, you can utilize a capital gains calculator to obtain a rough idea of the amount you may owe.
