For example short-term losses are first deducted against short-term gains, and long-term losses are deducted against long-term gains. If your losses exceed your gains, you can deduct the difference on your tax return, up to $3,000 per year ($1,500 for those married filing separately) but they are not considered a regular itemized deduction . To correctly arrive at your net capital gain or loss, capital gains and losses are classified as long-term or short-term. Generally, if you hold the asset for more than one year before you dispose of it, your capital gain or loss is long-term. If you hold it one year or less, your capital gain or loss is short-term. Tax Rates for Short-Term Capital Gains 2019 (2020) Filing Status: 10%: 12%: 22%: 24%: 32%: 35%: 37%: Single: Up to $9,700 ($9,875) $9,701 to $39,475 ($9,876 to $40,125) $39,476 to $84,200 ($40,126