Capital gains tax is a tax imposed by the government on the profit or gain realized from the sale of a capital asset, such as stocks, real estate, or artwork. The amount of capital gains tax owed is calculated as the difference between the sales price of the asset and its cost basis, which is typically the original purchase price of the asset plus any improvement costs.
The capital gains tax is a levy on the profit that an investor makes when an investment is sold. This is owed for the tax year during which the investment is sold.
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. For all but the highest-paid taxpayers, that is a higher tax rate than the capital gains rate.
Capital gains tax rates vary by jurisdiction and may be different for long-term capital gains (assets held for more than one year) and short-term capital gains (assets held for less than one year). In some cases, capital gains may be taxed at a lower rate than ordinary income, while in other cases, they may be taxed at the same rate.
It is important to understand the tax laws regarding capital gains in your jurisdiction and to consult with a tax professional or use tax software for an accurate calculation of capital gains tax owed.