Capital Gains Tax Calculator 2025-26

Calculate capital gains tax on equity, debt mutual funds, and other investments. Compare short-term vs long-term gains, indexation benefits, and tax optimization strategies for maximum savings.

LTCG vs STCG ComparisonIndexation Calculator₹1 Lakh ExemptionTax Planning
Capital Gains Tax Calculator

Equity & Mutual Funds

Stocks, ELSS, Equity MF

Debt & Other Assets

Bonds, FDs, Gold, Property

Capital Gains Tax Rules FY 2025-26

Equity & Equity Mutual Funds

Short-term (< 12 months)20%
Long-term (≥ 12 months)12.5%
LTCG Exemption₹1 Lakh/year

Debt & Other Assets

Short-term (< 36 months)As per slab
Long-term with indexation20%
Long-term without indexation25%

Capital Gains Tax Planning Strategies

Tax Optimization Tips

  • Hold equity investments for 12+ months for LTCG benefits
  • Use ₹1 lakh LTCG exemption annually on equity gains
  • Consider tax-loss harvesting to offset gains
  • Time your sales across financial years strategically
  • Use indexation benefits for debt investments

Important Considerations

  • Maintain proper records of all transactions
  • Pay advance tax if liability exceeds ₹10,000
  • Include STT and brokerage costs in calculations
  • Set off capital losses against gains properly
  • Consult a tax advisor for complex situations

Capital Gains Tax by Asset Type

Equity Investments

Stocks, Equity MF, ELSS

  • • STCG: 20% (< 12 months)
  • • LTCG: 12.5% (≥ 12 months)
  • • Annual exemption: ₹1 lakh
  • • No indexation benefit
  • • Lower holding period requirement

Debt Investments

Debt MF, Bonds, FDs

  • • STCG: As per tax slab (< 36 months)
  • • LTCG: 20% with indexation
  • • LTCG: 25% without indexation
  • • Indexation benefit available
  • • Higher holding period (36 months)

Real Estate

Property, Land

  • • STCG: As per tax slab (< 24 months)
  • • LTCG: 20% with indexation
  • • Multiple exemptions available
  • • Section 54, 54F, 54EC benefits
  • • Higher transaction costs

Capital Gains Tax Calculator FAQs

Everything you need to know about capital gains tax, STCG, LTCG, and investment tax planning

What is the difference between short-term and long-term capital gains?

Short-term capital gains apply when you hold equity investments for less than 12 months (36 months for debt). Long-term capital gains apply when you hold equity investments for 12 months or more (36 months or more for debt). Long-term gains generally have lower tax rates and additional exemptions.

What is the LTCG exemption limit for equity investments?

For equity investments held for more than 12 months, you get an annual exemption of ₹1 lakh on long-term capital gains. Any gains above ₹1 lakh are taxed at 12.5%. This exemption is available every financial year.

How does indexation benefit work for debt investments?

Indexation adjusts your purchase price for inflation using the Cost Inflation Index (CII). This reduces your taxable capital gains. For debt investments, you can choose between 20% tax with indexation or 25% tax without indexation, whichever is lower.

What is the tax rate on short-term capital gains from equity?

Short-term capital gains from equity investments (held for less than 12 months) are taxed at 20%. This includes stocks, equity mutual funds, and ELSS funds sold before completing 12 months.

Do I need to pay advance tax on capital gains?

Yes, if your total tax liability including capital gains tax exceeds ₹10,000, you need to pay advance tax. The advance tax should be paid by March 15th for the last quarter. You can also pay the entire amount by March 31st.

Can I set off capital losses against capital gains?

Yes, you can set off capital losses against capital gains. Short-term capital losses can be set off against both short-term and long-term capital gains. However, long-term capital losses can only be set off against long-term capital gains. Losses can be carried forward for 8 years.

Are there any exemptions for long-term capital gains on property?

Yes, there are several exemptions for property sales like Section 54 (reinvestment in residential property), Section 54F (reinvestment for non-resident property), and Section 54EC (investment in specified bonds). These can help you save or defer capital gains tax.

How are capital gains from mutual funds taxed?

Equity mutual funds are taxed like equity shares - STCG at 20% (if held <12 months) and LTCG at 12.5% on gains above ₹1 lakh (if held ≥12 months). Debt mutual funds have STCG taxed at slab rates and LTCG at 20% with indexation or 25% without indexation.