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February 20, 2024
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Capital Gains - I have taxable income, but owe no tax?

  • February 20, 2024
  • 1 reply
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Form 1040 line 15 (taxable income) has value of $3,806 - Turbo lists Tax as 0 on line 16.

I have a Taxable Income of $3,806 but owe no tax.  How is that possible?

 

Do I even need to file with IRS?

 

Thanks

 

 

Best answer by DawnC

Net capital gains are taxed at different rates depending on overall taxable income, although some or all net capital gain may be taxed at 0%.   For taxable years beginning in 2023, the tax rate on most net capital gain is no higher than 15% for most individuals.   A capital gains rate of 0% applies if your taxable income is less than or equal to:

 

  • $44,625 for single and married filing separately;
  • $89,250 for married filing jointly and qualifying surviving spouse; and
  • $59,750 for head of household.   

Did you check out the Tax Smart Worksheet on your Form 1040 worksheet?  That will show how the $0 was determined.   It is between Line 15 and 16 on your Form 1040 worksheet.  

 

 

1 reply

DawnC
Employee
February 20, 2024

Is your taxable income all from long-term gains?  If you held on to your stock for more than one year, it’ll be taxed at the long-term capital gains tax rates of 0%, 15% or 20%, depending on your income.   Look at your Form 1040/1040SR Wks - worksheet, under Line 15, Tax Smart Worksheet, what line is the X on?   That is where you can see how the $0 was determined.

 

Do I need to file a federal tax return?  You probably do need to file, but check this chart and the list of situations that require filing.   The numbers are gross income, not taxable income.  

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Don222Author
February 20, 2024

I had capital loss on my return, but I still don't understand how a taxable income has no taxes.

 

My standard deduction of $15,700 is less than my total income (line 9).

 

I trust TurboTax but I would like to understand why no taxes when tax tables indicate I would owe taxes.

 

thanks

 

 

DawnC
DawnCAnswer
Employee
February 20, 2024

Net capital gains are taxed at different rates depending on overall taxable income, although some or all net capital gain may be taxed at 0%.   For taxable years beginning in 2023, the tax rate on most net capital gain is no higher than 15% for most individuals.   A capital gains rate of 0% applies if your taxable income is less than or equal to:

 

  • $44,625 for single and married filing separately;
  • $89,250 for married filing jointly and qualifying surviving spouse; and
  • $59,750 for head of household.   

Did you check out the Tax Smart Worksheet on your Form 1040 worksheet?  That will show how the $0 was determined.   It is between Line 15 and 16 on your Form 1040 worksheet.  

 

 

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