2028 LTCG 0% bracket?

$51k single / $102k MFJ (projected).

20% federal + 3.8% NIIT = 23.8%.

>1 year for LTCG, \u22641 year is short-term at ordinary rates.

State capital gains tax?

Most states tax LTCG at ordinary rates. WA has 7% on >$250k.

Yes \u2014 indefinite for capital losses.

2028 Capital Gains Tax Brackets

2028 LTCG brackets (projected): 0% up to $51k single/$102k MFJ, 15% mid, 20% above $568k single/$640k MFJ. Plus 3.8% NIIT above $200k/$250k MAGI.

Ordinary taxable income ($)

LTCG + qualified div ($)

MAGI ($)

Filing status

2028 LTCG Tax

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Effective %

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0% bracket used	—
15% bracket used	—
20% bracket used	—
LTCG tax	—
3.8% NIIT	—
Total 2028 tax	—

2028 long-term capital gains and qualified dividends use the 0/15/20% rate schedule layered on top of ordinary income. Plus 3.8% NIIT if MAGI exceeds $200k single / $250k MFJ. Holding period: assets held >1 year qualify for LTCG treatment.

How Brackets Stack

Ordinary income fills the lower brackets first. LTCG sits on top. If ordinary income alone is below $51k (single, 2028 est), LTCG fills the 0% bracket first. Tax planning sweet spot: realize gains in low-ordinary-income years (early retirement, sabbatical).

NIIT Layer

3.8% Net Investment Income Tax applies on the lesser of (a) net investment income or (b) MAGI above $200k single / $250k MFJ. Total maximum LTCG rate: 20% + 3.8% = 23.8% federal.

Tax-Loss Harvesting

Losses offset gains dollar-for-dollar. Excess losses: $3,000/year against ordinary income, rest carries forward indefinitely. Watch wash-sale rule: don't rebuy substantially identical security within 30 days before/after the sale.

Last updated May 2026. Sources: IRS LTCG.