For example, in 2024, individual filers won't pay any capital gains tax if their total taxable income is $47,025 or below. However, they'll pay 15 percent on capital gains if their income is $47,026 to $518,900. Above that income level, the rate jumps to 20 percent.
Current tax law does not allow you to take a capital gains tax break based on your age. In the past, the IRS granted people over the age of 55 a tax exemption for home sales, though this exclusion was eliminated in 1997 in favor of the expanded exemption for all homeowners.
The following five states currently have no statewide sales tax: Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon. We take a closer look at those states in this guide. A financial advisor can help you minimize your taxes over the long term.
Qualifying Criteria
The capital gains exclusion applies to your principal residence, and while you may only have one of those at a time, you may have more than one during your lifetime. There is no longer a one-time exemption—that was the old rule, but it changed in 1997.
For 2024, you may qualify for the 0% capital gains rate with a taxable income of up to $47,025 if you're a single filer or up to $94,050 for married couples filing jointly.
An easy and impactful way to reduce your capital gains taxes is to use tax-advantaged accounts. Retirement accounts such as 401(k) plans, and individual retirement accounts offer tax-deferred investment. You don't pay income or capital gains taxes on assets while they remain in the account.
CGT 6-Year Rule
Allows temporary renting of PPOR for up to 6 years while still claiming main residence exemption. – Each 6-year absence period is treated individually. - No limit on number of times you can use this exemption. - Property must have been your main residence before renting out.
What if I reinvest the proceeds? Buying additional stock shares with the proceeds from a stock sale will not eliminate or reduce capital gains taxes. However, if you reinvest the gain into a QOF (Qualified Opportunity Fund), you can defer the payment of capital gains taxes while you are invested in an eligible fund.
Capital gains tax rates
A capital gains rate of 0% applies if your taxable income is less than or equal to: $47,025 for single and married filing separately; $94,050 for married filing jointly and qualifying surviving spouse; and. $63,000 for head of household.
Starting in 2025, single filers can qualify for the 0% long-term capital gains rate with taxable income of $48,350 or less, and married couples filing jointly are eligible with $96,700 or less.
However, thanks to the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, most homeowners are exempt from needing to pay it.1 If you're single, you will pay no capital gains tax on the first $250,000 of profit (excess over cost basis). Married couples enjoy a $500,000 exemption.2 However, there are some restrictions.
Seniors must pay capital gains taxes at the same rates as everyone else—no special age-based exemption exists.
Another easy and straightforward way of reducing capital gains tax is to give an asset to your spouse or civil partner, as this type of transfer won't be taxed. It also means you can each use your allowance, effectively doubling your annual exempt amount.
Are all investment sales subject to capital gains taxes? No, there are many times when selling an asset does not result in a taxable gain. Capital gains taxes generally only apply to assets held in a taxable account like a bank or brokerage account.
If it's your primary residence
You can sell your primary residence and avoid paying capital gains taxes on the first $250,000 of your profits if your tax-filing status is single, and up to $500,000 if married and filing jointly. The exemption is only available once every two years.
The 90% test: At the time of sale the private company must be using a minimum of 90% of its assets in carrying on an active business in Canada.
The exemption is available to the assessee, who may be a person or a Hindu Undivided Family (H.U.F). The new residential property must be built or acquired within 36 months of the capital asset sale date, or it needs to be bought 12 months before or 24 months after the asset sale.
There are five remaining states with no state level sales tax: New Hampshire, Oregon, Montana, Alaska and Delaware – often referred to as the NOMAD states.