The main long-term rates are enacted, while indexed 2028 income thresholds remain pending. The tables use 3% annual growth from confirmed 2026 ceilings over two years. Short-term gains generally use ordinary income rates.
Filing in 2028? That generally concerns 2027 income. This 2028 tax-year reference generally concerns returns filed in 2029.
Long-term capital gains thresholds
| Filing status | 2026 confirmed 0% ceiling | 2028 scenario 0% ceiling | 2026 confirmed 15% ceiling | 2028 scenario 15% ceiling |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single | $49,450 | ~$52,450 | $545,500 | ~$578,700 |
| Married filing jointly | $98,900 | ~$104,900 | $613,700 | ~$651,050 |
| Married filing separately | $49,450 | ~$52,450 | $306,850 | ~$325,525 |
| Head of household | $66,200 | ~$70,250 | $579,600 | ~$614,900 |
The 20% rate begins above the relevant 15% ceiling. These thresholds apply to total taxable income, not just the gain. Qualified dividends normally share this preferential rate calculation. Certain collectibles and depreciation-related gains have separate maximum rates and should not be forced into this table.
Worked example: gains sit above ordinary income
Assume a single filer has $40,000 of ordinary taxable income after deductions and realizes a $20,000 long-term gain. With a scenario 0% ceiling of $52,450, approximately $12,450 of the gain fits in the 0% band. The remaining $7,550 is taxed at 15%, for approximately $1,132.50 of federal capital gains tax.
That example excludes credits, other investment items, state tax and the net investment income tax. It does not imply that someone with a $20,000 sale has a $20,000 gain: gain is determined from proceeds, basis and applicable adjustments. Ordinary taxable income must be calculated first.
NIIT thresholds do not receive the 3% uplift
The additional 3.8% net investment income tax has fixed MAGI thresholds of $200,000 for Single/HOH, $250,000 for joint filers and $125,000 for MFS. It generally applies to the lesser of net investment income or MAGI above the threshold. These are different thresholds and a different income measure from the capital gains bands.
Selling an asset can affect more than the gain’s headline rate. It can change Medicare IRMAA in a later premium year, interact with other income-based provisions, and create estimated-payment needs. Use the scenario to compare the timing of alternatives; verify the actual 2028 thresholds before carrying out a transaction.
Method, assumptions and release timing
The 3% annual assumption is an illustrative planning shortcut, not an inflation forecast or a confidence interval. It compounds directly from the latest confirmed baseline, then rounds once. Official indexing uses statutory base amounts, prescribed index windows and rounding rules; final agency figures can differ. Thresholds round to $50; joint 0% ceiling is twice Single and MFS ceilings are half of joint.
IRS 2028 inflation adjustments are expected in October–November 2027; timing is based on the usual annual cycle, not an announced release date.
Primary sources: 2026 tax baselines — Rev. Proc. 2025-32 · Capital gains and losses · Net investment income tax
Frequently asked questions
Is this for the tax return I file in 2028?
A return filed in 2028 generally reports 2027 income. This page covers tax year 2028, generally filed in 2029. Use the linked 2027 guide for the earlier tax year; amendments and extensions can involve other years.
Is a long-term gain below the 0% ceiling always tax free?
The gain stacks above other taxable income. Only the portion within the 0% band receives that federal rate. State taxes and other provisions can still apply.
Does the NIIT threshold rise with this scenario?
No. The listed NIIT thresholds are fixed statutory amounts, so the 3% illustrative uplift is not applied to them.
Can I use these estimates to file or set a contribution limit?
No. These tables illustrate planning assumptions. Use the final agency publication and the rules for the applicable year before filing, funding an account or changing payroll. A linked calculator may use a different year.
Explore a related calculator
Capital gains calculator. Check the calculator’s supported year and assumptions; it may use a different year from this planning reference.