What Are Capital Gains On Rental Property?

Selling a rental property can be a profitable venture, but it may also come with a significant tax bill. When you sell any home for more than you paid, the IRS can classify the profit as a capital gain. There are exclusions on your primary residence, but what are capital gains on a rental property?

Whether you’re planning to sell soon or just exploring your options, knowing the rules around short- and long-term capital gains can help you make informed decisions.

In this guide, we’ll break down the basics of capital gains on rental property, explore tax rates, and provide strategies to minimize or even avoid these taxes when it’s time to sell.

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Editor’s note: This post is meant for educational purposes and should not be construed as professional tax advice. HomeLight encourages you to contact your own advisor.

What are capital gains on rental property?

Capital gains on rental property refer to the profit you earn when you sell a home for more than you originally paid for it. The amount you owe in taxes depends on how long you owned the property and your overall income.

Here’s a closer look at the two main categories of capital gains:

Short-term capital gains

Short-term capital gains apply when you sell a rental property you’ve owned for one year or less. These gains are taxed as ordinary income, which means they’re subject to the same tax rate as your regular earnings. Depending on your income bracket, this could result in a higher tax rate than if you held the property longer.

Long-term capital gains

Long-term capital gains apply when you sell a rental property after owning it for more than one year. These gains typically have lower tax rates compared to short-term gains. Rates are determined based on your taxable income and filing status, which makes understanding long-term rates a key part of tax planning.

What are the long-term capital gains tax rates?

As noted above, long-term capital gains tax rates are generally lower than short-term rates, providing an incentive to hold onto your property for at least a year. These rates depend on your taxable income and filing status. Here’s a look at the 2024 and 2025 long-term capital gains tax rate tables.

Long-term capital gains tax rates for the 2024 tax year

This table shows the long-term capital gains rates for tax year 2024. Single filers can qualify for the 0% long-term capital gains rate with a taxable income of $47,025 or less. Married couples filing jointly can qualify with an income of $94,050 or less.

Source: IRS.gov

Long-term capital gains tax rates for the 2025 tax year

This table shows the long-term capital gains rates for tax year 2025. Single filers can qualify for the 0% long-term capital gains rate with a taxable income of $48,350 or less. Married couples filing jointly can qualify with an income of $96,700 or less.

Source: IRS.gov

If you’re curious about how much profit you might earn from the sale of your rental property, check out HomeLight’s Net Proceeds Calculator. Next, let’s explore strategies to minimize or defer these taxes.