finance5 sections · 26 items

Capital Gains Tax Cheat Sheet

Short-term vs long-term capital gains rates, exemptions, loss harvesting rules, and strategies for minimizing investment taxes.

2026 Long-Term Capital Gains Rates (Single)

Item	Value	Notes
Short-term holding	< 1 year	Taxed at ordinary income rates (10%–37%)
Long-term holding	≥ 1 year	Preferential rates (0%, 15%, 20%)
Day of acquisition	Does NOT count	Start counting the next day
Day of sale	Counts	Must hold through this day
Tax savings (top bracket)	Up to 13.2%	37% ordinary vs 23.8% LTCG

Item	Value	Notes
Primary Home Exclusion	$250K / $500K (MFJ)	2 of 5 year ownership + use test
Inherited Assets	Stepped-up basis	Basis resets to FMV at death
Qualified Small Business Stock	Up to 100% exclusion	Section 1202 — 5 year hold
Opportunity Zone Investment	Deferred + reduced gains	10-year hold for max benefit
1031 Like-Kind Exchange	Defer real estate gains	Must identify in 45 days
Collectibles (art, gold)	28% max rate	Higher than standard LTCG

Item	Value	Notes
Offset gains with losses	Dollar-for-dollar	Same type offsets first
Net loss deduction	$3,000/year ($1,500 MFS)	Against ordinary income
Carryforward	Unlimited years	Excess losses carry forward
Wash Sale Rule	30-day window	No repurchase of same/identical security
Wash sale applies to	Stocks, bonds, options	Not crypto (currently)

Tip: Use landscape orientation for wider tables

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