Capital Gains Tax for Tennessee (2026)

Last updated: January 15, 2026

Tennessee (TN) Key Facts

State Capital Gains Rate

0%

Taxed As

Not taxed at state level

Federal Rate Applies

Yes (0%, 15%, or 20%)

Long Term vs Short Term

No state tax on either

How This Calculator Works in Tennessee

This calculator estimates your combined federal and Tennessee capital gains tax. Enter your gain amount, holding period, and income to see your estimated tax.

Tennessee Overview

Tennessee has no state capital gains tax. Tennessee fully repealed its Hall Tax on investment income in 2021. Investors only owe federal capital gains tax, which ranges from 0% to 20% for long-term gains plus a potential 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax for high earners.

How Tennessee Compares

Tennessee's capital gains rate of 0% compares to Kentucky at 4% and Virginia at 5.75%. No state capital gains tax provides a clear advantage for investors.

StateTop RateNotes
Kentucky4%Kentucky has a capital gains rate of 4%.
Virginia5.75%Virginia has a capital gains rate of 5.75%.
North Carolina4.5%North Carolina has a capital gains rate of 4.5%.

Tennessee's capital gains rate of 0% compares to a national average of approximately 5.04%. This is below the national average.

Tips for Tennessee Residents

  • 1Tennessee has no state capital gains tax, so you only pay federal rates on investment gains.
  • 2Federal long-term capital gains rates are 0%, 15%, or 20% depending on income, plus a potential 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT).
  • 3Hold investments for over one year to qualify for the lower federal long-term rates instead of ordinary income rates.
  • 4Tax-loss harvesting—selling losing investments to offset gains—can reduce your federal capital gains tax bill.
  • 5Tennessee's zero state rate makes it one of the most favorable states for investors and retirees with investment income.

Frequently Asked Questions

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