Markets

Insider Trading

Hedge Funds

Retirement

Opinion

States With the Lowest to Highest Capital Gains Tax Rate

In this article, we will take a look at states with the lowest to highest capital gains tax rates. You can skip our detailed analysis of capital gains taxes and the overall tax structure of different states, and go directly to read 10 States With the Lowest to Highest Capital Gains Tax Rate

Capital gains tax is imposed on the profits or gains earned from the sale or disposal of certain types of assets known as capital assets. These assets include stocks, bonds, real estate properties, precious metals, and other investments held for a specific period of time. Capital gains can not be earned as an employee or from a business but are received due to the increase in value of an investment. For this reason, they are taxed differently than regular income. Capital gains can be either short-term or long-term, depending on how long the asset was held before it was sold.

Short-term capital gains occur when an asset is held for one year or less before being sold. They are taxed at the same rates as your ordinary income tax rates, which can be up to 37%. This mainly depends on one’s income level and tax bracket. Long-term capital gains, on the other hand, apply to assets held for more than one year before being sold. The tax rates for long-term capital gains are determined based on income level and filing status and are comparatively lower than short-term capital gains. The highest long-term capital gains tax rate is 20% but can either be 0% or 15% depending on income. According to Charles Schwab, the maximum long-term capital gains rate rose to nearly 40% in the late 1970s for investors with bigger gains.

Long-term capital gains are also applied to qualified dividends. This means that if dividend-paying investments are held for more than a specified holding period, the payouts received may be subject to lower long-term capital gains tax rates. So, profits from the sales of dividend stocks like The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG), Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ), and AbbVie Inc. (NYSE:ABBV) are subject to capital gains taxes.

Over the years, capital gains realizations have fluctuated, reaching their 40-year high of over $2 trillion in 2021 and representing 8.7% of GDP, according to data from Congressional Budget Office. However, the federal agency forecasts realizations to revert to about 3.7% of GDP over the next 10 years. The report also mentioned that approximately 7.3% of individual income tax revenues are expected to come from capital gains realizations in the fiscal year 2033.

In one of the recent developments, the current administration in the US has proposed an increase in the capital gains tax rate. As mentioned above, the highest capital gains tax rate is 20%, which could be increased to 39.6% for people earning at least $1 million, as reported by CNBC. This increase in the tax rate could significantly impact high-income earners who make a considerable profit from the sale of assets. The change in the tax rate could also discourage investors from selling their assets, which could impact the liquidity of the market.

These proposed changes in capital gains could also impact business owners who are planning to sell their businesses. The higher tax rate could reduce the amount of profit they make from the sale, which could impact their retirement plans or their ability to invest in other ventures. This is one of the main reasons why people avoid capital gains taxes. The higher the tax rate on capital gains, the less money they get to keep from their investments.

In addition to lower profits, taxpayers avoid capital gains taxes to preserve cash flow and rebalance their investments. For these reasons, individuals should consider utilizing tax-advantaged accounts such as individual retirement accounts (IRAs) or 401(k) plans, as contributions in these accounts may be tax-deductible. Moreover, investors should hold investments for the long term because long-term capital gains are taxed at lower rates.

Individuals who are concerned about high tax burdens, including capital gains taxes, may consider relocating to states that offer more favorable tax environments. For instance, California is one of the country’s most expensive states to live in, which has seen a decline in its population for over 30 years now. According to a report by CNBC, over 360,000 people left California in 2021 for states offering lower taxes. Moreover, California and New York also lost over $90 billion in income during the Covid pandemic.

Many states like Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and Wyoming do not have taxes on capital gains. In this list, we have ranked US states from lowest to highest capital gains tax.

Image by qgadrian from Pixabay

Our Methodology:

Nearly all states in the US tax capital gains as ordinary income. The tax rates mentioned below are for the highest tax bracket, which means that these tax rates are applied to the highest levels of taxable income in different states. For this list, we selected data from a wide range of sources, including the respective states’ official documents, Forbes Advisor, Wall Street Journal, and CNBC. The list is ranked in ascending order of their capital gains taxes as of 2023

42. Arizona:

Capital Gains Tax as of 2023: 2.5%

Arizona has a flat income tax rate of 2.5%, which came into effect in January 2023. Before this, the state had a tax structure with a top rate of 4.5%.

41. North Dakota:

Capital Gains Tax as of 2023: 2.90%

North Dakota allows taxpayers to deduct 40% of the gain from their income. The state taxes capital gains as ordinary income, with tax rates falling between 1.1% to 2.9%.

40. Pennsylvania:

Capital Gains Tax as of 2023: 3.07%

Pennsylvania’s income and capital gains tax is at a flat rate of 3.07%. However, the state does not tax nonresidents on capital gains.

39. Indiana:

Capital Gains Tax as of 2023: 3.15%

In 2022, Indiana’s lawmakers approved deductions in its income taxes over the next several years. The first phase took its income tax to 3.15%, from 3.23%. The state taxes capital gains as ordinary income.

38. Ohio:

Capital Gains Tax as of 2023: 3.99%

Ohio’s tax brackets range from 0% to 3.99%. Its capital gains taxes are consistent with its ordinary income taxes.

37. Louisiana:

Capital Gains Tax as of 2023: 4.25%

In 2022, Louisiana reduced its income tax rates to 1.85%, 3.5%, and 4.25%. The state taxes capital gains as ordinary income.

36. Michigan:

Capital Gains Tax as of 2023: 4.25%

Michigan imposes capital gains tax, which is generally taxed at the same rate as ordinary income. The state has a flat income tax rate of 4.25%. Moreover, citizens born before 1946 can also deduct dividends, interest, and capital gains on their income tax returns.

35. Colorado:

Capital Gains Tax as of 2023: 4.4%

Capital gains tax in Colorado has a flat rate of 4.4%, the same as the state’s income tax.

34. Kentucky:

Capital Gains Tax as of 2023: 4.5%

Kentucky’s capital gains and income tax follow the same flat rate of 4.5%. This was reduced from 5% last year and the state plans to lower it further by a half percentage point in 2024.

33. North Carolina:

Capital Gains Tax as of 2023: 4.75%

North Carolina taxes capital gains as ordinary income. The state is gradually decreasing its flat income tax rate, which currently stands at 4.75%, down from 4.99% in 2022. It will be further reduced to 4.6% in 2024.

32. Oklahoma:

Capital Gains Tax as of 2023: 4.75%

Oklahoma offers a capital gains deduction for gains derived from the sale or exchange of qualified small business stock. Through this deduction, eligible taxpayers are allowed to exclude a portion of their capital gains from taxation. Capital gains are taxed as ordinary income in Oklahoma, ranging between 0.25% to 4.75%.

31. Utah:

Capital Gains Tax as of 2023: 4.85%

Utah’s capital gains tax is the same as the state’s income tax at a flat rate of 4.85%.

30. Arkansas:

Capital Gains Tax as of 2023: 4.9%

In Arkansas, the tax rates for capital gains range between 2.45% to 4.9%. However, long-term capital gains are taxed for up to 50%, whereas short-term capital gains are taxed at 100%.

29. Illinois:

Capital Gains Tax as of 2023: 4.95%

Illinois capital gains tax rates are the same as the state tax, which is a flat rate of 4.95%. This rate is regardless of income or filing status.

28. Missouri:

Capital Gains Tax as of 2023: 4.95%

In 2022, Missouri lowered its income tax rate to 5.3% from 5.4%. The state has again reduced its taxes with its top marginal income tax rate falling at 4.95%. The government plans tO eventually reduce top rates in the coming years.

27. Massachusetts:        

Capital Gains Tax as of 2023: 5.00%

Massachusetts has the headquarters of some of the famous companies in the US including Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE:TMO) and State Street Corporation (NYSE:STT). The state has a flat income tax rate of 5% for most taxpayers, including those with capital gains. However, for short-term capital gains on dividends, interests, wages, and other income, the capital gains tax stood at 12%.

26. Alabama:

Capital Gains Tax as of 2023: 5.00%

Capital gains are taxed as ordinary income in Alabama. The tax rates range from 2% to 5%, depending on one’s income level.

25. Mississippi:

Capital Gains Tax as of 2023: 5.00%

Capital gains tax has been a part of Mississippi’s tax system since the early 1900s and was initially implemented to generate revenue for the state. Its uppermost capital gains tax rate is 5%, consistent with its income tax rates.

24. West Virginia:

Capital Gains Tax as of 2023: 5.12%

West Virginia has a progressive income tax system and taxes capital gains as ordinary income. The state’s recent bill to reduce its taxes brought its top tax rate to stand at 5.12%, down from 6.5% in 2022. The lowest tax rate goes to 2.36%, from 3%, as reported by Wall Street Journal.

23. Kansas:

Capital Gains Tax as of 2023: 5.70%

Tax brackets in Kansas range from 3.1% to 5.7%, depending on taxable income and the corresponding tax bracket.

22. Georgia:

Capital Gains Tax as of 2023: 5.75%

Georgia’s capital gains tax rates run from 1% to 5.75%, similar to the state’s regular tax rates.

21. Maryland:

Capital Gains Tax as of 2023: 5.75%

In Maryland, a single filer with over $250,000 taxable income will be taxed at 5.75%, which is the same as the state’s income tax rates. Its tax brackets for single taxpayer ranges from 2% to 5.75%.

20. Virginia:

Capital Gains Tax as of 2023: 5.75%

Virginia, home to some of America’s most significant corporations like General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE:GD) and Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO), taxes capital gains at the same income tax rate, which is up to 5.75%.

19. Idaho:

Capital Gains Tax as of 2023: 5.8%

In January 2023, Idaho announced a reduction in its income tax rate from 6% to 5.8%. The state’s capital gains are taxed as ordinary income, which means that the tax imposed on taxable income over $2,500 stands at 5.8%.

18. New Mexico:

Capital Gains Tax as of 2023: 5.90%

Capital gains are taxed as ordinary income in New Mexico with tax rates ranging from 0% to 5.9%. Taxpayers with capital gains income are allowed to deduct 40% of their net gain from their taxable income from the state.

17. Rhode Island:

Capital Gains Tax as of 2023: 5.99%

Rhode Island’s capital gains taxes range from 3.75% to 5.99%, consistent with the state’s income tax rates.

16. Iowa:

Capital Gains Tax as of 2023: 6.00%

In Iowa, capital gains are also taxed as ordinary income, with tax brackets ranging from 4.40% to 6.00% in the tax year 2023. The state’s top tax rate came in at 8.53% last year. Its Department of Revenue announced a flat individual income tax rate of 3.9% by the tax year 2026. Moreover, qualifying taxpayers will be able to have a 33% deduction on net capital gains from the sale of a qualified corporation’s stock.

15. Delaware:

Capital Gains Tax as of 2023: 6.60%

Delaware’s capital gains tax rates run from 0% to 6.6%, the same as the state’s income tax rates.

14. Nebraska:

Capital Gains Tax as of 2023: 6.64%

Capital gains taxes in Nebraska are the same as the ordinary income tax. The state’s new tax bill was enacted in April 2022, which plans to reduce its top individual income tax rates to 5.84% over the course of several years. The initial reduction from 6.84% to 6.64% occurred on January 1, 2023.

13. Montana:

Capital Gains Tax as of 2023: 6.75%

Montana also taxes capital gains as ordinary income which ranges from 1% to 6.75%. The state also offers a 2% capital gains credit, which means that the taxpayer can claim a credit against their income tax of up to 2% of their net capital gain. Recently, Montana’s government has proposed a bill for revised income tax rates for long-term capital gains. The bill highlights two-tier tax rates of 3% and 4.1% that would be applied to long-term capital gains. The bill will come into effect in January 2024.

12. Connecticut:

Capital Gains Tax as of 2023: 6.99%

Capital gains taxes in Connecticut range from 3.0% to 6.99%, which is consistent with its ordinary income tax rates. However, dividends and interest income are taxed at a rate based on Connecticut Adjusted Gross Income, which varies from 1% to 14%.

11. South Carolina:

Capital Gains Tax as of 2023: 7.00%

Capital gains in South Carolina are taxed as ordinary income, with tax brackets ranging from 0% to 7%. However, a 44% reduction is allowed to taxpayers on long-term capital gains.

Click to continue reading and see 10 States With the Lowest to Highest Capital Gains Tax Rate

Suggested articles:

Disclosure. None. States With the Lowest to Highest Capital Gains Tax Rate is originally published on Insider Monkey.

AI Fire Sale: Insider Monkey’s #1 AI Stock Pick Is On A Steep Discount

Artificial intelligence is the greatest investment opportunity of our lifetime. The time to invest in groundbreaking AI is now, and this stock is a steal!

The whispers are turning into roars.

Artificial intelligence isn’t science fiction anymore.

It’s the revolution reshaping every industry on the planet.

From driverless cars to medical breakthroughs, AI is on the cusp of a global explosion, and savvy investors stand to reap the rewards.

Here’s why this is the prime moment to jump on the AI bandwagon:

Exponential Growth on the Horizon: Forget linear growth – AI is poised for a hockey stick trajectory.

Imagine every sector, from healthcare to finance, infused with superhuman intelligence.

We’re talking disease prediction, hyper-personalized marketing, and automated logistics that streamline everything.

This isn’t a maybe – it’s an inevitability.

Early investors will be the ones positioned to ride the wave of this technological tsunami.

Ground Floor Opportunity: Remember the early days of the internet?

Those who saw the potential of tech giants back then are sitting pretty today.

AI is at a similar inflection point.

We’re not talking about established players – we’re talking about nimble startups with groundbreaking ideas and the potential to become the next Google or Amazon.

This is your chance to get in before the rockets take off!

Disruption is the New Name of the Game: Let’s face it, complacency breeds stagnation.

AI is the ultimate disruptor, and it’s shaking the foundations of traditional industries.

The companies that embrace AI will thrive, while the dinosaurs clinging to outdated methods will be left in the dust.

As an investor, you want to be on the side of the winners, and AI is the winning ticket.

The Talent Pool is Overflowing: The world’s brightest minds are flocking to AI.

From computer scientists to mathematicians, the next generation of innovators is pouring its energy into this field.

This influx of talent guarantees a constant stream of groundbreaking ideas and rapid advancements.

By investing in AI, you’re essentially backing the future.

The future is powered by artificial intelligence, and the time to invest is NOW.

Don’t be a spectator in this technological revolution.

Dive into the AI gold rush and watch your portfolio soar alongside the brightest minds of our generation.

This isn’t just about making money – it’s about being part of the future.

So, buckle up and get ready for the ride of your investment life!

Act Now and Unlock a Potential 10,000% Return: This AI Stock is a Diamond in the Rough (But Our Help is Key!)

The AI revolution is upon us, and savvy investors stand to make a fortune.

But with so many choices, how do you find the hidden gem – the company poised for explosive growth?

That’s where our expertise comes in.

We’ve got the answer, but there’s a twist…

Imagine an AI company so groundbreaking, so far ahead of the curve, that even if its stock price quadrupled today, it would still be considered ridiculously cheap.

That’s the potential you’re looking at. This isn’t just about a decent return – we’re talking about a 10,000% gain over the next decade!

Our research team has identified a hidden gem – an AI company with cutting-edge technology, massive potential, and a current stock price that screams opportunity.

This company boasts the most advanced technology in the AI sector, putting them leagues ahead of competitors.

It’s like having a race car on a go-kart track.

They have a strong possibility of cornering entire markets, becoming the undisputed leader in their field.

Here’s the catch (it’s a good one): To uncover this sleeping giant, you’ll need our exclusive intel.

We want to make sure none of our valued readers miss out on this groundbreaking opportunity!

That’s why we’re slashing the price of our Premium Readership Newsletter by a whopping 75%.

For a ridiculously low price of just $24, you can unlock a year’s worth of in-depth investment research and exclusive insights – that’s less than a single restaurant meal!

Here’s why this is a deal you can’t afford to pass up:

  • The Name of the Game-Changing AI Stock: Our in-depth report dives deep into our #1 AI stock’s groundbreaking technology and massive growth potential.
  • Ad-Free Browsing: Enjoy a year of investment research free from distracting banner and pop-up ads, allowing you to focus on uncovering the next big opportunity.
  • Lifetime Money-Back Guarantee:  If you’re not absolutely satisfied with our service, we’ll provide a full refund ANYTIME, no questions asked.

 

Space is Limited! Only 1000 spots are available for this exclusive offer. Don’t let this chance slip away – subscribe to our Premium Readership Newsletter today and unlock the potential for a life-changing investment.

Here’s what to do next:

  1. Head over to our website and subscribe to our Premium Readership Newsletter for just $24.
  2. Enjoy a year of ad-free browsing, exclusive access to our in-depth report on the revolutionary AI company, and the upcoming issues of our Premium Readership Newsletter over the next 12 months.
  3. Sit back, relax, and know that you’re backed by our ironclad lifetime money-back guarantee.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity! Subscribe now and take control of your AI investment future!

Subscribe Now!

A New Dawn is Coming to U.S. Stocks

I work for one of the largest independent financial publishers in the world – representing over 1 million people in 148 countries.

We’re independently funding today’s broadcast to address something on the mind of every investor in America right now…

Should I put my money in Artificial Intelligence?

Here to answer that for us… and give away his No. 1 free AI recommendation… is 50-year Wall Street titan, Marc Chaikin.

Marc’s been a trader, stockbroker, and analyst. He was the head of the options department at a major brokerage firm and is a sought-after expert for CNBC, Fox Business, Barron’s, and Yahoo! Finance…

But what Marc’s most known for is his award-winning stock-rating system. Which determines whether a stock could shoot sky-high in the next three to six months… or come crashing down.

That’s why Marc’s work appears in every Bloomberg and Reuters terminal on the planet…

And is still used by hundreds of banks, hedge funds, and brokerages to track the billions of dollars flowing in and out of stocks each day.

He’s used this system to survive nine bear markets… create three new indices for the Nasdaq… and even predict the brutal bear market of 2022, 90 days in advance.

Click to continue reading…