Capital Loss Set Off Calculator

Work out capital loss set off instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.

About Capital Loss Set Off Calculator

Short-term losses can generally be set against both short and long-term gains, while long-term losses may only be used against long-term gains. Anything unused is carried forward, so the order of set-off matters for the tax paid now.

Formula

Set-off order

Net each category, apply short-term losses widely, restrict long-term losses to long-term gains, carry the rest forward

Worked example

With the default values below, Capital Loss Set Off Calculator returns Gains Remaining Taxable of $230,000.00. Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.

Inputs used

Short-Term Gainsminimum 0: 200,000
Short-Term Lossesminimum 0: 320,000
Long-Term Gainsminimum 0: 450,000
Long-Term Lossesminimum 0: 100,000

Results

Gains Remaining Taxable: $230,000.00
Net Short-Term Position: $0.00
Net Long-Term Position: $230,000.00
Loss Carried Forward: $0.00

Step by step

1Values used
2Set-off order
3Gains Remaining Taxable= 230,000.00
4Net Short-Term Position= 0.00
5Net Long-Term Position= 230,000.00
6Loss Carried Forward= 0.00

Assumptions and limits

The result is derived only from the 4 inputs listed above. Anything not among them is not part of the calculation.
In particular, this calculator does not take inflation, tax, fees or charges or compounding frequency into account.
Figures are rounded for display to 2 decimal places, so totals built from several rounded parts can differ slightly from the unrounded arithmetic.
Tax figures are estimates based on the rates, caps and thresholds you enter. Real rules differ by jurisdiction and change every year, and personal circumstances alter the outcome. This is not tax or financial advice — confirm with a qualified adviser.
This is an estimate for general information and not professional financial, tax or legal advice. See the full disclaimer for the limits that apply to this kind of calculator.

How these calculators are built and tested is described on the Methodology page. If a figure looks wrong, please report it.

Tax figures are estimates based on the rates, caps and thresholds you enter. Real rules differ by jurisdiction and change every year, and personal circumstances alter the outcome. This is not tax or financial advice — confirm with a qualified adviser.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are long-term losses restricted?

Because they arise from income taxed at a lower rate, so allowing them against high-rate income would be asymmetric.

How long can losses be carried forward?

Commonly eight years, but only if the return is filed by the due date.