Capital Gains Tax in the US 2024 — Long-Term vs Short-Term, Strategies

## 2024 US capital gains rates **Short-term** (held < 1 year): taxed as ordinary income (10–37%). **Long-term** (held ≥ 1 year): - 0% if taxable income < $47,025 (single) or $94,050 (married) - 15% if taxable income $47,025–$518,900 (single) - 20% if taxable income > $518,900 (single) Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT): additional 3.8% for high earners (income > $200,000 single). ## Wash sale rule If you sell a security at a loss and repurchase the same or "substantially identical" security within 30 days (before or after), the loss is disallowed. Use this: sell losers for tax-loss harvesting, but wait 31 days before repurchasing, or buy a similar but not identical fund immediately. ## 0% LTCG rate opportunity If you're in the 0% LTCG bracket (income < $47,025 for singles), you can realise long-term capital gains tax-free. Useful for: early retirees drawing down portfolio, Roth conversions in low-income years, or rebalancing appreciated positions.