Impôt sur les plus-values : Ce que tout investisseur doit savoir
What Are Capital Gains?
A capital gain is the profit you make when you sell an asset for more than you paid for it. Capital assets include stocks, bonds, mutual funds, cryptocurrency, real estate (excluding your primary residence up to certain limits), and collectibles. The gain is calculated as the sale price minus your cost basis (purchase price plus any transaction fees). If you sell for less than your basis, you have a capital loss.
Short-Term vs Long-Term Capital Gains
The holding period determines whether a gain is short-term or long-term. Short-term capital gains (assets held 12 months or less) are taxed at your ordinary income tax rate — which can range from 10% to 37% in 2026. Long-term capital gains (assets held more than 12 months) benefit from preferential rates of 0%, 15%, or 20%, depending on your income. The tax savings from holding an asset just one additional day past the 12-month mark can be significant.
2026 Long-Term Capital Gains Rates
For single filers in 2026: 0% rate applies to taxable income up to $48,350; 15% rate applies to income from $48,350 to $533,400; 20% rate applies to income above $533,400. For married filing jointly: 0% up to $96,700; 15% from $96,700 to $600,050; 20% above that. Additionally, high-income taxpayers may owe a 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT) on investment income above $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married).
How to Minimize Capital Gains Taxes
Hold investments for at least 12 months and 1 day to qualify for long-term rates. Use tax-loss harvesting to sell losing investments and offset gains (up to $3,000 of excess losses can offset ordinary income annually). Hold investments in tax-advantaged accounts (IRA, 401(k)) where gains grow tax-deferred or tax-free. Donate appreciated securities to charity to avoid capital gains entirely while getting a charitable deduction. Consider the timing of sales — spreading gains across tax years can keep you in lower brackets.
Special Rates for Collectibles and Real Estate
Not all capital gains are taxed the same. Collectibles (art, coins, antiques, precious metals) are taxed at a maximum rate of 28%. Depreciation recapture on real estate is taxed at 25%. Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) held for 5+ years may be eligible for exclusion of up to 100% of gains under Section 1202. Primary residence sales may exclude up to $250,000 ($500,000 married) of gain under Section 121 if you've lived there 2 of the last 5 years.