If you’re selling shares, property, or cryptocurrency in 2026 or 2027, it helps to know exactly what you’ll owe in capital gains tax. The rates can differ depending on what you’re selling and your income level. This guide breaks down the details so you can plan ahead and avoid surprises when it’s time to file your taxes.

Current Capital Gains Tax Rates for 2026/27

Capital gains tax (CGT) is the tax you pay when you sell an asset for more than you paid for it. In the US, for the tax years 2026 and 2027, the rates depend largely on your taxable income and the type of asset you’re selling — whether it's shares, real estate, or cryptocurrency.

For taxpayers in the basic income bracket, the tax rate is generally 10% on most assets such as shares and crypto. But when it comes to residential property, the rate is higher at 18%. For those in the higher or additional income tax brackets, the rates are 20% on shares and crypto, and 24% on residential property.

To put this into perspective, if you’re earning an income that places you in the basic tax bracket and you sell shares or cryptocurrency for a gain, you’ll pay 10% tax on those gains. However, if you sell a second home or a rental property, the tax rate climbs to 18%.

If your income puts you in the higher tax bracket, expect to pay 20% on shares and crypto, and a steeper 24% on residential property.

These rates reflect the government’s approach to taxing investment income differently based on asset type and income level. The higher rates on residential property aim to address the nature of housing as a big investment and source of wealth.

Keep in mind, these percentages apply only to the profit you make from the sale, not the total sale price.

Annual Exempt Amount

Everyone in the US gets an annual exempt amount — this is the portion of your capital gains that you can keep tax-free each year. For 2026/27, this exemption is set at $3,000.

This is a big change compared to previous years: the exemption was $6,000 in 2024/25 and doubled to $12,300 back in 2022/23. The reduction means you’ll start paying capital gains tax on smaller profits than before.

For example, if your total capital gains from all your asset sales in a tax year are $3,000 or less, you won't owe any capital gains tax. But if your gains exceed $3,000, you only pay tax on the amount above that — so if you earn $5,000 in gains, you pay tax on $2,000.

Remember, this exemption applies to your combined gains from all assets sold within the tax year, not per asset. So if you sell shares, crypto, and property in the same year, all those gains add up before the exemption is applied.

Property vs. Shares: What’s the Difference?

Capital gains tax treats property differently than shares or crypto, mainly because of the unique role property plays in personal finance and housing markets.

The most noticeable difference is the higher tax rates on residential property — 18% for basic rate taxpayers and 24% for higher earners — compared to 10% and 20% respectively on shares and crypto. This distinction reflects policy choices meant to balance investment gains with housing affordability concerns.

Another important factor is the main residence relief, often called Private Residence Relief (PPR). This means if you sell your primary home — the one you live in most of the time — you’re usually exempt from paying capital gains tax on that sale. The exemption can save you thousands of dollars, especially in markets where home values have risen sharply.

However, if you sell a second home, vacation property, or rental property, you won’t get this relief. You’ll owe tax on the gains at the applicable rates. For example, selling a rental home in 2026 could trigger an 18% or 24% tax bill on the profit, depending on your income bracket.

Also, keep in mind that costs related to buying, selling, or improving your property — like agent fees or renovations — can often be deducted from your gain, lowering your taxable amount.

How Crypto Is Taxed

Cryptocurrency is treated the same as shares for capital gains tax purposes. That means if you sell cryptocurrency and make a profit, you owe tax at either 10% or 20%, depending on your income level.

This applies whether you sell your crypto for cash, trade one cryptocurrency for another, or even use crypto to buy goods or services. Each event is considered a taxable disposal, and you need to calculate your gain or loss.

For example, if you bought Bitcoin for $1,000 and sold it later for $3,000, you have a $2,000 capital gain. If you’re in the basic tax bracket, you’d pay 10% on that $2,000 gain — which is $200 in tax. If you’re in the higher bracket, your tax would be $400.

Keep thorough records of your crypto transactions because calculating gains can get complicated. The IRS expects you to track the purchase date, price, sale date, sale price, and any fees involved. This helps you accurately report your gains and losses on your tax return.

Capital gains tax might seem confusing, but knowing the rates and rules for shares, property, and crypto in 2026/27 puts you in control of your finances. Remember: 10% or 20% tax on shares and crypto gains, 18% or 24% on residential property gains, and a $3,000 exemption before you owe anything. Planning ahead can help you keep more of your profits.