2025 Long-Term Capital Gains Tax Rates
2025 long-term capital gains tax rates — all categories
| Rate | Single Filer Income | Married Filing Jointly |
|---|---|---|
| 0% | $0 to $48,350 | $0 to $96,700 |
| 15% | $48,351 to $533,400 | $96,701 to $600,050 |
| 20% | Over $533,400 | Over $600,050 |
| Collectibles max | 28% cap | Same |
| Depreciation recapture max | 25% cap | Same |
| NIIT surcharge | 3.8% above $200K MAGI | 3.8% above $250K MAGI |
What Changed From 2024 to 2025
The 0% bracket threshold increased from $47,025 to $48,350 (single) and from $94,050 to $96,700 (married jointly). NIIT thresholds remain unchanged at $200,000/$250,000 MAGI — not indexed for inflation, meaning more investors are subject each year. No major legislative changes affected the rate structure between 2024 and 2025.
A married couple with $70,000 in ordinary retirement income has $26,700 of available 0% capital gains bracket space in 2025 ($96,700 - $70,000). Realizing $26,700 in long-term gains pays $0 federal capital gains tax — an opportunity for systematic gain harvesting.
Key 2025 Capital Gains Planning Actions
- Check your 0% bracket capacity: Subtract ordinary income from $48,350/$96,700 threshold
- Schedule loss harvesting before December 29 (settlement deadline for year-end)
- Verify mutual fund ex-dividend dates before Q4 purchases in taxable accounts
- Coordinate Roth conversions with gain harvesting to avoid bracket stacking
- Donate appreciated stock to charity before December 31 for current-year deduction
- Make estimated tax payments if large gains exceed withholding coverage
- Review inherited asset basis — all step-up assets can be sold with zero gain
Short-Term Capital Gains in 2025
Short-term capital gains (assets held 12 months or less) are taxed at ordinary income rates. In 2025, these rates range from 10% on income up to $11,925 (single) to 37% on income over $626,350. For most investors, avoiding short-term treatment is worth waiting the additional days past the 12-month mark — the rate differential of 5-17 percentage points is significant.
Calculate Your 2025 Capital Gains Tax
Enter your investment sale details and 2025 income to see your precise federal and state capital gains tax.