What Is a Capital Gains Tax?
Capital gains tax is the tax levied on the profit from selling an asset — such as stocks, bonds, real estate, or mutual funds — for more than you paid for it. Capital gains are classified as short-term (held one year or less, taxed as ordinary income) or long-term (held more than one year, taxed at preferential rates of 0%, 15%, or 20% depending on your income level).
Why It Matters
Capital gains management is a critical component of retirement tax planning. The timing of asset sales, the choice between selling appreciated vs. depreciated holdings, and the interaction between capital gains and other income sources (Social Security taxation, Medicare IRMAA, Roth conversion planning) all affect your total tax burden.
For Arizona retirees, capital gains are taxed at the state's 2.5% flat income tax rate in addition to federal rates. Strategic planning around when and how to realize gains can save thousands of dollars annually — especially when coordinated with other income sources.
How It Works
Short-term capital gains: Assets held one year or less. Taxed at your ordinary income tax rate (up to 37% federal + 2.5% Arizona = up to 39.5% combined).
Long-term capital gains: Assets held more than one year. Taxed at preferential federal rates: - 0% for taxable income up to $94,050 (married filing jointly, 2026) - 15% for taxable income $94,051 to $583,750 - 20% for taxable income above $583,750
Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT): An additional 3.8% surtax applies to investment income (including capital gains) for individuals with MAGI above $250,000 (married filing jointly).
Capital losses: Losses can offset gains dollar-for-dollar, plus up to $3,000 per year of ordinary income. Unused losses carry forward to future years indefinitely.
Step-up in basis: When you inherit assets, the cost basis is "stepped up" to fair market value at the date of death — meaning all unrealized gains during the decedent's lifetime are erased. This is one of the most valuable estate planning provisions in the tax code.
Wash sale rule: You cannot sell a security at a loss and repurchase the same or substantially identical security within 30 days. Doing so disallows the loss for tax purposes.
Example
A 67-year-old Gilbert retiree has $200,000 in unrealized long-term capital gains in a taxable brokerage account. She also has $50,000 in unrealized losses. Her advisor recommends:
1. Tax-loss harvesting: Sell the losing positions to realize $50,000 in losses (reinvest in similar but not identical funds) 2. Offset gains: Use the $50,000 in losses to offset $50,000 of the gains 3. Strategic gain realization: Sell enough winning positions to realize $44,050 in net gains — which falls in the 0% long-term capital gains bracket (assuming total taxable income stays under $94,050)
Result: $94,050 in gross gains realized, $50,000 offset by losses, $44,050 in net gains taxed at 0% federal. Only Arizona's 2.5% state tax applies — approximately $1,101 total tax on nearly $100,000 in investment activity.
Capital Gains Tax in Arizona
Arizona taxes capital gains at the same 2.5% flat rate as ordinary income — there is no preferential state rate for long-term gains. However, because the state rate is low regardless, Arizona retirees can focus their planning primarily on federal capital gains brackets. The combination of Arizona's low state tax and strategic gain realization in the 0% federal bracket creates significant tax planning opportunities.
Common Questions About Capital Gains Tax
What is the difference between short-term and long-term capital gains?
How can I reduce capital gains taxes in retirement?
Does Arizona tax capital gains differently than ordinary income?
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