⚠️ NOT FINANCIAL, TAX, OR LEGAL ADVICE. This calculator, its charts and graphs are for educational purposes only — results are illustrative estimates, not professional guidance. Always consult a qualified CPA, tax attorney, or financial advisor before making any financial decisions. SmartTax assumes no liability for decisions made based on this tool.

2026 LTCG sale timing tax calculator

Compare the incremental tax from selling long-term stock while living in California with W-2 income versus selling with no state tax and no W-2 income.

Tax forms, pen, and calculator on a desk
CA + W-2 stock tax
No-state stock tax
Estimated savings
After-tax sale difference

Quick calculation

Incremental tax from the stock sale only.

    CA + W-2

    Scenario A
    Line Calculation Tax

    Outside CA / no state tax

    Scenario B
    Line Calculation Tax

    Savings and percentages

    Positive savings means the no-state/no-W-2 scenario has less tax on the sale.

    Measure Calculation Result

    Tax progression by income

    Ordinary income sweeps from $100,000 to $1,200,000 using the current filing status and current LTCG input.

    Ordinary income tax in CA Ordinary income plus LTCG tax in CA LTCG-only tax in CA

    Assumptions: long-term stock gain, federal standard deduction, California standard deduction, no itemized deductions, no AMT, no QSBS, no collectibles, no tax-loss carryforwards, no local tax, and no extra investment income beyond the stock gain. California capital gains are treated as ordinary income for state tax.

    Sources: IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32 for 2026 federal ordinary brackets, standard deductions, and long-term capital gain thresholds; IRS NIIT guidance for the 3.8% threshold rule; California FTB 2025 rate schedule and standard deduction chart plus EDD 2026 withholding schedule thresholds for 2026-style CA inputs.