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California Capital Gains Tax Calculator

California taxes capital gains as ordinary income. Combined top rate: 37.1%.

Step 1: Your income before the capital gain

Your existing taxable income determines which federal capital gains bracket applies (0%, 15%, or 20%).

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Don't know your taxable income? Calculate it from gross income
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Standard deduction (single): $16,100

Or use the California Income Tax Calculator for a detailed breakdown.

⚠️ This calculator provides estimates for educational purposes only. It is not financial, tax, or legal advice. Your actual results may vary.

California Capital Gains Rules

  • 1% Behavioral Health Services Tax on income over $1M

    Brings top rate to 13.3% on income exceeding $1,000,000

Frequently Asked Questions

Does California distinguish between short-term and long-term gains?
No. At the state level, California taxes both short-term and long-term capital gains as ordinary income. The federal preferential rates (0%/15%/20%) still apply to long-term gains for the federal portion.
How does California tax capital gains?
California taxes capital gains as ordinary income using progressive brackets. The top marginal rate is 13.3%, but your effective rate depends on your total taxable income.
What is the combined capital gains tax rate in California?
The maximum combined rate is 37.1% (federal 20% + NIIT 3.8% + state 13.3%). Most filers pay less because of progressive brackets and the federal 0%/15% rates.

Related Resources

California Capital Gains Tax Information

Official California tax information relevant to capital gains, including rates, forms, and filing resources.

California Income Tax Calculator

Calculate your California state and federal income tax

All State Capital Gains Calculators

Compare capital gains tax across all 50 states