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Capital Gains Calculator

Estimate a realized gain or loss, adjusted basis, and illustrative tax amount.

Capital Gains Inputs

Results computed instantly — your data never leaves your device.

Capital Gains Results

Real-Time

Realized gain / loss

$70,000.00

Adjusted basis

$225,000.00

Net sale proceeds

$295,000.00

Estimated tax

$14,000.00

After-tax proceeds

$281,000.00

This educational estimate does not apply jurisdiction-specific exclusions, holding-period rules, or filing status.

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How to Use the Capital Gains Calculator

  1. 1

    Enter the original purchase price.

  2. 2

    Add eligible capital improvements and selling costs when applicable.

  3. 3

    Enter the sale price and an illustrative tax rate.

  4. 4

    Review adjusted basis, realized gain or loss, estimated tax, and after-tax proceeds.

Formula & Mathematical Basis

Adjusted basis = Purchase price + Improvements; Net proceeds = Sale price − Selling costs; Gain = Net proceeds − Adjusted basis

Variable Key

basis

Original cost adjusted by modeled capital improvements

proceeds

Sale price after entered selling costs

gain

Net proceeds minus adjusted basis

tax rate

Illustrative percentage applied only to a positive modeled gain

📝 This simplified estimate does not apply holding periods, exclusions, depreciation recapture, jurisdiction rules, filing status, or loss limitations. Confirm tax treatment with current official guidance.

Step-by-Step Examples

1

Illustrative asset sale

Scenario: Purchase for $200,000, add $25,000 of improvements, sell for $300,000, pay $5,000 selling costs, and use a 20% illustrative rate.

  1. 1.Adjusted basis is $200,000 + $25,000 = $225,000.
  2. 2.Net sale proceeds are $300,000 − $5,000 = $295,000.
  3. 3.Realized gain is $295,000 − $225,000 = $70,000.
  4. 4.An illustrative 20% rate produces $14,000 of estimated tax in this simplified model.
✅ Estimated after-tax proceeds are $281,000 before any other taxes, debts, or transaction adjustments.

Practical Use Cases

  • Create a first-pass scenario before speaking with a tax professional.
  • Compare sale prices after transaction costs.
  • Show how documented improvements affect modeled basis.

Common Pitfalls

  • Treating the illustrative rate as the final tax bill.
  • Leaving out selling expenses or eligible basis adjustments.
  • Assuming every gain receives the same rate regardless of asset and holding period.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this calculate my actual tax liability?

No. It is an educational estimate and omits many jurisdiction-specific rules and taxpayer circumstances.

What happens when the sale price is below basis?

The route shows a negative realized gain, while estimated tax is floored at zero in this simplified positive-gain model.

Are improvements always added to basis?

Only qualifying costs under the applicable tax rules should be included. Keep records and verify with current official guidance.

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