Capital gains tax brackets and rules 2026

The IRS revealed higher capital gains tax brackets for 2026.

In its Thursday announcement, the agency raised taxable income limits for long-term capital gains brackets, which apply to assets held for more than a year.

He also increased the numbers on dozens of other provisions, including federal income tax brackets, estate and gift tax exemption, and eligibility for the Earned Income Tax Credit, among others.

The IRS announcements come a day after the agency said it would furlough nearly half of its workforce due to the ongoing government shutdown.

The capital gains rate you pay depends on which bracket you fall into based on taxable income.

You calculate taxable income by subtracting the greater of the standard or itemized deductions from your adjusted gross income. For 2026, the standard deduction will amount to $16,100 for singles and $32,200 for married couples filing jointly.

Starting in 2026, single filers will qualify for the 0% long-term capital gains rate with taxable income of $49,450 or less and married couples filing jointly are eligible with $98,900 or less.