California Capital Gains Tax Calculator 2026

Calculate your combined federal + CA state capital gains tax on stocks, crypto, real estate, and other investments. California taxes capital gains at rates up to 13.3%.

📊 Calculate Your California Capital Gains Tax

Purchase Price ($)

Sale Price ($)

Filing Status

Holding Period

Other Taxable Income ($)

Investment Losses ($)

Capital Gain

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Federal Tax

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CA State Tax

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NIIT (3.8%)

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Total Tax

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After-Tax Proceeds

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Effective Fed Rate

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Effective State Rate

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Combined Effective Rate

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📋 California Capital Gains Tax Overview

13.3%

State CG Rate

1-13.3%

Rate Structure

20%

Max Federal Rate

3.8%

NIIT Surcharge

Highest state rate in the US — no preferential capital gains treatment

How Capital Gains Tax Works in California

When you sell an investment — stocks, bonds, cryptocurrency, real estate, or other assets — for more than you paid, the profit is a capital gain. In California, capital gains are generally taxed as ordinary income at rates up to 13.3%, on top of federal capital gains tax.

Federal Capital Gains Tax Rates (2026)

0% rate: Single filers with taxable income up to $47,025 (MFJ: $94,050)
15% rate: Single filers $47,025–$518,900 (MFJ: $94,050–$583,750)
20% rate: Single filers above $518,900 (MFJ: above $583,750)
3.8% NIIT: Net Investment Income Tax applies to income above $200K (single) or $250K (MFJ)

Short-Term vs. Long-Term Capital Gains

Short-term gains (assets held less than 1 year) are taxed at your ordinary income tax rate — which can be as high as 37% federally plus 13.3% in California. Long-term gains (assets held 1+ years) receive preferential federal rates of 0%, 15%, or 20%, but California does not offer a preferential state rate — gains are taxed as ordinary income.

5 Strategies to Reduce Capital Gains Tax in California

Hold investments for 1+ years — Long-term gains qualify for 0/15/20% federal rates instead of up to 37%
Tax-loss harvesting — Sell losing investments to offset gains (up to $3,000 excess losses deductible)
Use tax-advantaged accounts — 401(k), IRA, Roth IRA, HSA shield gains from taxation
Qualified Opportunity Zones — Defer and potentially reduce capital gains by investing in QOZ funds
Consider your timing — Sell in years when your income is lower to stay in a lower federal bracket

California-Specific Capital Gains Rules

Highest state rate in the US — no preferential capital gains treatment. Combined with federal rates, investors in California could pay up to 37.1% on long-term gains or up to 54.1% on short-term gains. Tax planning is essential for California residents with significant investment income.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is the capital gains tax rate in California?

California taxes capital gains at rates up to 13.3%. Highest state rate in the US — no preferential capital gains treatment. Combined with federal tax (0-20%) and the potential 3.8% NIIT, your total rate could reach 37.1%.

How do I calculate capital gains tax on stocks in California?

Subtract your cost basis (purchase price + fees) from your sale price to determine your gain. If held over 1 year, apply federal long-term rates (0/15/20% based on income) plus California's state rate (up to 13.3%). Our calculator above handles all of this automatically.

Does California tax cryptocurrency capital gains?

Yes — cryptocurrency is treated as property by the IRS and by California. Crypto gains are taxed the same as stocks or other investments — at your ordinary income tax rate for short-term gains or preferential federal rates for long-term gains, plus the California state rate of up to 13.3%.

Is there a capital gains exclusion for home sales in California?

Yes — the federal home sale exclusion allows you to exclude up to $250,000 in gains ($500,000 for married couples filing jointly) if you've lived in the home for at least 2 of the last 5 years. This exclusion applies to both federal and California state taxes. Gains above the exclusion limit are taxed at your applicable rates.

What is the Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT)?

The NIIT is a 3.8% federal surtax on investment income (capital gains, dividends, interest, rental income) for individuals with modified AGI above $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married filing jointly). It applies in all states, including California.

How can I reduce my capital gains tax in California?

Key strategies include: holding investments for over 1 year (lower federal rate), tax-loss harvesting (offsetting gains with losses), using tax-advantaged accounts (401k, IRA, Roth), donating appreciated assets to charity (avoid gains entirely), and timing your sales to stay in lower tax brackets.

🗺️ Compare Capital Gains Tax by State

Iowa — 5.7% Pennsylvania — 3.07% Maryland — 5.75% Indiana — 3.05% West Virginia — 5.12% Alabama — 5% Ohio — 3.5% Arkansas — 4.4% View All 50 States →