How Capital Gains Tax Actually Works

Cost basis, realized vs. unrealized gains, 2026 short-term and long-term rates, losses, special rules, and tax forms. 0:00 Intro 0:38 What a capital gain is 1:08 Realized vs. unrealized 1:32 Short-term vs. long-term 1:57 2026 tax rates 2:39 A worked example 3:19 The 0% rate 4:01 The misconception 4:27 Using losses 4:55 Rules that change the result 5:45 Inheritance and gifts 6:12 Cost basis methods 6:46 Tax forms 7:17 Recap General education only, not financial advice. Numbers are illustrations using stated assumptions and 2026 rules. Do your own research or talk to a licensed professional before making decisions with your money. 🇺🇸 Stacked Coins Finance: money mechanics explained with original hand-drawn visuals.