Accounts

Long-Term Capital Gains: Definition

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Simple Definition

Profits on investments held over 1 year. Lower tax rate than short-term.

Why It Matters

Long-term rates are the government's reward for patient investing. Most investors pay just 15% on long-term gains. If you're in the 22% tax bracket, waiting that extra month saves you 7% on every dollar of profit.

Key Points

  • Rates: 0% (income under ~$44k), 15% (up to ~$492k), 20% (above ~$492k) for 2024
  • High earners may owe an additional 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT)
  • Qualified dividends also get these favorable long-term rates

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Taxes Lesson

Capital Gains Explained

Get a complete explanation with examples, key takeaways, and a quiz to test your knowledge.

Related Terms

Common Questions

Profits on investments held over 1 year. Lower tax rate than short-term. Long-term rates are the government's reward for patient investing. Most investors pay just 15% on long-term gains.

Long-term rates are the government's reward for patient investing. Most investors pay just 15% on long-term gains. If you're in the 22% tax bracket, waiting that extra month saves you 7% on every dollar of profit.

Rates: 0% (income under ~$44k), 15% (up to ~$492k), 20% (above ~$492k) for 2024

High earners may owe an additional 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT)

Qualified dividends also get these favorable long-term rates