Our March 2026 Newsletter: 2026 Capital Gains Tax Thresholds

March 05, 2026

2026 Capital Gains Tax Thresholds¹

Every year, the IRS adjusts certain tax thresholds and amounts to keep pace with inflation. Last November, in addition to new tax brackets and higher standard deduction and estate limit amounts, the IRS unveiled new income tax thresholds for capital gains in 2026.

For 2026 (returns normally filed in early 2027), the long-term capital gains tax rates remain at 0%, 15%, and 20%, but the income thresholds have shifted. Short-term capital gains (assets held for one year or less) are taxed at ordinary income tax rates.

The new brackets are as follows:

0% Rate

Single filers: Up to $49,450
Married filing jointly: Up to $98,900
Married filing separately: Up to $49,450
Head of household: Up to $66,200

15% Rate

Single filers: $49,451 to $545,500
Married filing jointly: $98,901 to $613,700
Married filing separately: $49,451 to $306,850
Head of household: $66,201 to $579,600

20% Rate

Single filers: Over $545,500
Married filing jointly: Over $613,700
Married filing separately: Over $306,850
Head of household: Over $579,600

The new 0% capital gains rate threshold for 2026 creates some opportunities for investors. For example, if your income varies yearly, you might consider realizing long-term capital gains in years when your total taxable income is below the 0% threshold. Depending on your situation, offsetting your capital gains with any losses you may have incurred (tax loss harvesting) could help. Be sure to evaluate all your projected income sources each year, not just capital gains, and don’t forget state taxes on capital gains, which can impact overall tax liability.

To read the entire article "IRS Updates Capital Gains Tax Thresholds for 2026: Here's What's New," click here. If you have questions about these new Capital Gains Thresholds for 2026, please don’t hesitate to call us at (518) 584-2555.

Written by Kelley R. Taylor for Kiplinger.com, last updated on November 6, 2025
This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax advisor.

Did You Know: OBBBA Provisions that Effect 2026 Taxes²

Estate & Gift Tax Exemption

Effective 2026 and later
Reduces the number and size of estates subject to estate tax by indefinitely extending the higher estate and gift tax exemption amounts and increases the exemption to $15M per individual in 2026, adjusted annually for inflation.

Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT)

Effective 2026 and later
Indefinitely extends the higher AMT exemption amount and phaseout thresholds, adjusted annually for inflation. Also reduces phaseout thresholds to their initial Tax Cut and Jobs Act (TCJA) amounts from 2018 ($500K for single filers and $1M for joint filers) and increases the phaseout rate for the exemption from 25% to 50%.

Global Population Trends³

In 2022, global population surpassed eight billion people for the first time, marking an eightfold increase since 1800. While global population is still growing in absolute numbers, population growth rates peaked decades ago. By 1964, global population growth rates peaked at just over 2% annually but have subsequently tapered off to approximately 1% today. Here are some further insights that explore what lies ahead:

Among the current top 10 largest economies globally, half are anticipated to witness a decrease in population by 2075 compared to their present levels. In 2022 India surpassed China as the most populous nation, a trend likely to persist as China’s population peaked in 2021 and is expected to experience the most significant decline of any major country over the next 50 years – dropping by 34.3% from its 2023 levels (most recent data available).
Canada is projected to experience the strongest population growth over the next 50 years, driven by sustained high levels of immigration, despite having one of the lowest birth rates among large economies.
The United States is expected to undergo a solid population increase of 17.3% during this timeframe, just over half the rate of the global population growth.
Africa is poised for a remarkable growth of 122.3%, elevating its population from 1.48 billion in 2023 to 3.29 billion by 2075.
Asia is expected to retain its position as the largest region, though by a slimmer margin than today’s measures, with its population projected to increase from 4.8 billion in 2023 to 5.1 billion by 2075.
Presently, the annual number of births exceeds deaths by a significant margin. However, fertility rates are declining across all regions. The most recent data reveals that the global fertility rate has dropped to 2.25 children per woman in 2023, down from an average of 4.85 in 1950.
Projections suggest that by 2084, annual deaths will outnumber births, meaning global population will start to decline

Think Spring, Saratoga!

Chances are, if you look out your window right now you’ll see snow. If this winter feels never ending, don’t worry – the first day of Spring is only 15 days away! This month’s local activities focus on all things Spring, getting you ready for warmer days ahead filled with sunshine, flowers, and of course, celebrating St. Patrick’s Day.

Here are few local events you won’t want to miss:

3/8: Irish Music Festival: Socks in the Frying Pan at Parting Glass
3/14 & 3/15: 2026 Upstate Sports Summer Expo at the Saratoga Springs City Center
3/20-3/22 – 2026 Glens Falls Brewfest Weekend
3/27 – 3/29: 37^th Annual Capital Region Flower & Garden Expo at HVCCFor a complete list of local events, click here.

1: kiplinger.com

2: irs.gov

3: ftportfolios.com