How much tax can my losses save me?

Offset gains first, then up to $3,000 of ordinary income — the harvesting math tax software puts behind a paywall.

Unrealized losses available ($)

Realized capital gains ($)

Long-term gains tax rate (%)

Your ordinary income tax rate (%)

State tax rate (%)

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Tax saved this year

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Loss left to carry over

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Loss used against gains

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Loss used vs ordinary ($3k max)

How does harvesting work?

Sell an asset at a loss, immediately buy a substantially similar one (mind the 30-day wash-sale window around the sale). The realized loss first cancels capital gains, then up to $3,000 of ordinary income per year, and carries forward.

What's the wash sale rule?

If you buy the same or 'substantially identical' security within 30 days before or after the sale, the IRS disallows the loss. Using a different fund/etf, or waiting 31 days, keeps the harvest valid.

Why only $3,000 against income?

The IRS caps applying net capital losses against ordinary income at $3,000/yr for individuals ($1,500 if married filing separately). Extra losses carry to future years — so harvesting early keeps the $3k slot working.

Is harvesting always worth it?

Almost always when you have gains to offset; often worth it for the $3k income offset too. Compare saved tax against trading costs and the tracking burden. This tool shows the saved amount directly.