Investment Read Time: 3 min

A Taxing Story: Capital Gains and Losses

Chris Rock once remarked, “You don’t pay taxes – they take taxes.” That applies not only to income but also to capital gains.

Capital gains result when an individual sells an investment for an amount greater than their purchase price. Capital gains are categorized as short-term gains (a gain realized on an asset held one year or less) or as long-term gains (a gain realized on an asset held longer than one year).

Keep in mind that the information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation.

Long-Term vs. Short-Term Gains

Short-term capital gains are taxed at ordinary income tax rates. Long-term capital gains are taxed according to different ranges (shown below).1


Long Term Capital Gains Tax Brackets (for 2023)

Tax Bracket/RateSingleMarried Filing JointlyHead of Household
0%$0 - $44,625$0 - $89,250$0 - $59,750
 15%$44,626 - $492,300$89,251- $553,850$59,751 - $523,050
20%$492,300+$553,850+$523,0500+


It should also be noted that taxpayers whose adjusted gross income is in excess of $200,000 (single filers or heads of household) or $250,000 (joint filers) may be subject to an additional 3.8% tax as a net investment income tax.2

Also, keep in mind that the long-term capital gains rate for collectibles and precious metals remains at a maximum of 28%.3

Rules for Capital Losses

Capital losses may be used to offset capital gains. If the losses exceed the gains, up to $3,000 of those losses may be used to offset the taxes on other kinds of income. Should you have more than $3,000 in such capital losses, you may be able to carry the losses forward. You can continue to carry forward these losses until such time that future realized gains exhaust them. Under current law, the ability to carry these losses forward is lost only on death.4

Finally, for some assets, the calculation of a capital gain or loss may not be as simple and straightforward as it sounds. As with any matter dealing with taxes, individuals are encouraged to seek the counsel of a tax professional before making any tax-related decisions.

1. Investopedia.com, July 19, 2022
2. IRS.gov, 2023
3. Investopedia.com, May 4, 2022
4. Investopedia.com, February 24, 2023

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright FMG Suite.

 

Related Content

Data Breach: Your Security To-Do List

Data Breach: Your Security To-Do List

This article provides a checklist of steps to take if you experience a data breach.

What Is My Current Net Worth?

What Is My Current Net Worth?

Use this calculator to estimate your net worth by adding up your assets and subtracting your liabilities.

Mutual Funds vs. ETFs

Mutual Funds vs. ETFs

Exchange-traded funds have some things in common with mutual funds, but there are differences, too.

 

Have A Question About This Topic?







Thank you! Oops!

Mortgages in Retirement

Explore the benefits and drawbacks to paying off your mortgage prior to retirement with this article.

Critical Estate Documents

Sound estate management includes creating financial and healthcare documents. Here's an inside look.

Keep Your Umbrella Handy

Umbrella liability can be a fairly inexpensive way to help shelter current assets and future income from the unexpected.

View all articles

Potential Income from an IRA

Estimate your monthly and annual income from various IRA types.

Self-Employed Retirement Plans

Estimate the maximum contribution amount for a Self-Employed 401(k), SIMPLE IRA, or SEP.

Capital Gains Tax Estimator

Use this calculator to estimate your capital gains tax.

View all calculators

Your Cash Flow Statement

A presentation about managing money: using it, saving it, and even getting credit.

5 Smart Investing Strategies

There are some smart strategies that may help you pursue your investment objectives

Managing Your Lifestyle

Using smart management to get more of what you want and free up assets to invest.

View all presentations

Saving for College 101

Here’s a crash course on saving for college.

When Do You Need a Will?

When do you need a will? The answer is easy: Right Now.

RE: Retirement

How does your ideal retirement differ from reality, and what can we do to better align the two?

View all videos