Long-Term Capital Gains
Profit on assets held more than a year, taxed at preferential federal rates of 0%, 15%, or 20%.
Long-term capital gains are profits on assets you held for more than one year before selling. They receive preferential federal tax treatment — 0%, 15%, or 20% depending on your taxable income — which is generally lower than the ordinary rates that apply to wages and short-term gains.
The 0% bracket is a genuine planning tool: in low-income years, a married couple can realize a meaningful amount of long-term gains at zero federal tax. This 'gain harvesting' resets your cost basis higher without a tax bill. As with any income event, realized gains still raise MAGI, so they interact with ACA subsidies and IRMAA.
This definition is general information to help you understand a term, not financial, tax, or legal advice. Figures that change year to year (limits, thresholds, rates) should be confirmed against current official sources. For guidance on your situation, a licensed fee-only fiduciary is the right next step.