Finance Tools
Capital Gains Tax Holding Period Calculator
Estimate capital gains tax differences based on holding period and compare short-term vs long-term outcomes to plan a tax-efficient sell date.
Capital Gains Tax Holding Period Calculator
Use this calculator to estimate how your holding period may change your capital gains tax. Enter your expected gain and compare short-term vs long-term tax outcomes.
Results
Status based on holding period: Long-Term (365 days)
Estimated Tax (your current holding period): $1,500
After-Tax Profit (gain − tax): $8,500
Comparison (opposite holding period tax treatment):
Alternative Tax: $3,000
Alternative After-Tax Profit: $7,000
Potential Difference: $1,500
Rates used: short-term 30.00%, long-term 15.00%. This is an estimate for planning only.
How to use
- Enter your expected capital gain amount.
- Enter your holding period in days (how long you held the asset).
- Enter a short-term tax rate and a long-term tax rate.
- Review your estimated tax and after-tax profit, then compare the alternative scenario.
FAQ
What is a holding period?
Holding period is how long you owned an asset before selling it. Many tax systems apply different rules or rates depending on whether the holding period qualifies as short-term or long-term.
Is 365 days always “long-term”?
Not always. This calculator uses 365 days as a simple comparison threshold. Confirm the exact rule for your country and situation.
What should I enter as capital gain?
Use your gain (sale proceeds minus cost basis and relevant fees), not the full sale amount. If you’re unsure, estimate conservatively.
How to use this capital gains tax holding period calculator
- Enter your expected capital gain amount.
- Select or enter your holding period (in days).
- Enter your short-term capital gains tax rate.
- Enter your long-term capital gains tax rate.
- Compare estimated taxes and see the potential savings from holding longer.
Example
If capital gain is $10,000, holding 200 days may be taxed at a short-term rate (30%), while holding 400 days may qualify for a long-term rate (15%).
- Short-term tax = $10,000 × 0.30 = $3,000
- Long-term tax = $10,000 × 0.15 = $1,500
- Potential savings if you qualify for long-term = $1,500
More tools in Finance Tools
- Long Term vs Short Term Capital Gains Tax Calculator
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- Long-Term Capital Gains Tax Calculator
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- Effective Tax Rate on Investments Calculator
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