Capital gains tax rates on collectibles, gold, and precious metals

Long-term gains on collectibles can be taxed at a maximum 28% federal rate — higher than the 20% cap that applies to most stocks and crypto. Collectibles can include art, antiques, stamps, coins, and certain precious metals. Short-term collectibles gains still use ordinary income rates, up to 37%, plus NIIT when MAGI is high enough.

Some gold and silver products are treated as collectibles for this purpose (for example certain coins and bullion). Not every ETF that tracks metal prices is taxed the same way; grantor trusts and other wrappers can pass through collectibles treatment. Read the fund’s tax disclosure.

In the calculator, choose Collectibles as the asset type so the engine can apply the 28% long-term ceiling where it applies. Enter basis, sale price, dates, income, filing status, and state. State tax may still treat the gain as ordinary income even when federal uses the collectibles rate.

Holding more than one year is still required for long-term treatment. A one-year-plus gold sale is not automatically 15% federal — it may be 28% on the collectibles portion. Confirm classification with IRS Topic 409 and a CPA for large metal or art sales.