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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): $15,750

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.

For informational purposes only.