Estimate your exact federal and Massachusetts investment taxes for 2026.
Understanding preferential tax stacking, holding durations, and IRS wash-sale guidelines.
Massachusetts taxes long-term gains at 5% and short-term gains at 8.5%. Top marginal state rate: 8.5%. High earners ($1M+) face an additional 4% millionaires surtax.
The IRS heavily rewards holding stocks. If you sell a stock after holding it for less than a year, it is a Short-Term gain and taxed at your normal income bracket. If you hold it for over a year, it is a Long-Term gain and taxed at a preferential flat rate (usually 15%).
If your stock market losses exceed your gains for the year, the IRS only allows you to deduct a maximum of $3,000 against your normal W-2 income. Any remaining losses must be 'carried forward' to future tax years.