What You'll Actually Keep After Selling
See the real profit from your investment after taxes. The number that matters isn't your gain — it's what you keep.
Your investment went up. Congratulations! But how much of that gain do you actually get to keep? The IRS wants their share, and the amount varies dramatically based on how long you held the asset and your income level. This calculator shows you the real number: what you'll have after taxes. A $10,000 gain might become $8,500 or $6,300 depending on your situation. That's still great! But planning around the pre-tax number sets you up for disappointment. See the after-tax reality before you make decisions about what to do with the money.
Calculator
Common use cases
- Understanding actual after-tax returns
- Planning purchases with real proceeds
- Comparing short-term vs long-term holding strategies
- Making informed sell decisions
How to use
- Enter your cost basis (what you paid)
- Enter the sale price
- Select short or long-term holding
- Choose your tax bracket
- See estimated capital gains tax
FAQ
What qualifies as long-term?
Assets held longer than one year qualify for lower long-term capital gains rates (0%, 15%, or 20%).
Can I offset gains with losses?
Yes, capital losses can offset gains. Excess losses (up to $3,000/year) can offset ordinary income.
What about the 3.8% Medicare surtax?
High earners may owe an additional 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax on capital gains.
Why focus on after-tax proceeds?
Your 'gain' isn't really yours until you pay taxes. Planning with pre-tax numbers leads to budget shortfalls.
This calculator provides illustrative estimates for planning purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice.