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

A Cheat Sheet for Sending Your Kid to College

A Cheat Sheet for Sending Your Kid to College

Dropping off your child is loaded with emotions; here are a few tips for a smoother experience.

Catch-Up Contributions

Catch-Up Contributions

Workers 50+ may make contributions to their qualified retirement plans above the limits imposed on younger workers.

Insurance Needs Assessment: For Empty Nesters and Retirees

Insurance Needs Assessment: For Empty Nesters and Retirees

Do your insurance needs stay the same when the nest empties?

 

Have A Question About This Topic?







Thank you! Oops!

Protection Against Uninsured Drivers

You’re hit by an uninsured driver. Now what? Are you protected against financial losses?

Trends in Charitable Giving

Some people may want a more advanced gifting strategy that can maximize their gift and generate potential tax benefits.

Buying Auto Insurance For Teen Drivers

Tips on insuring your teen driver.

View all articles

Annuity Comparison

This calculator compares a hypothetical fixed annuity with an account where the interest is taxed each year.

Capital Gains Tax Estimator

Use this calculator to estimate your capital gains tax.

Bi-Weekly Payments

This calculator estimates the savings from paying a mortgage bi-weekly instead of monthly.

View all calculators

Managing Your Lifestyle

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

Long-Term-Care Protection Strategies

The chances of needing long-term care, its cost, and strategies for covering that cost.

Your Cash Flow Statement

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

View all presentations

Questions to Consider When Buying a Vacation Home

Doing your research is key before buying a vacation home.

Should You Ever Retire?

A growing number of Americans are pushing back the age at which they plan to retire. Or deciding not to retire at all.

Coaches

Coaches have helped you your whole life, in ways big and small. We'd like to be one of them.

View all videos