V VestedGrant
AR · Capital gains · $300,000 · Long-term

How much tax on a $300,000 capital gain in Arkansas?

A long-term $300,000 capital gain in Arkansas runs approximately $64,250 in combined federal, NIIT, and state tax, an effective rate of 21.4%. Net after tax: $235,750.

Federal LTCG
$45,830
NIIT 3.8%
$11,400
AR state
$7,020
Total tax
$64,250
Effective 21.4%

Net after tax: $235,750

Time this sale with a CPA who does QSBS and 10b5-1

On a $300,000 gain, the tax bill is $64,250. A fee-only advisor in Arkansas can model whether a portion qualifies for Section 1202 (QSBS), stagger the sale across tax years, or pair it with loss harvesting. Free match.

Match me with a CPA in Arkansas →

Long-term vs short-term

A long-term capital gain (held 12+ months past the basis-setting event) gets preferential federal rates: 0%, 15%, or 20% depending on total taxable income, plus 3.8% NIIT for MAGI above $200k single. Short-term gains are taxed at ordinary rates up to 37% federally, plus state. For this $300,000 gain, the short-term total would run approximately $128,084, compared with $64,250 long-term. The difference is roughly $63,834.

Arkansas's treatment

Arkansas gives long-term gains preferential treatment through an exclusion or lower rate. The number above uses a rough 40% exclusion; verify the exact current-year formula before filing.

Cost basis considerations

For RSU shares, basis equals the vest-date closing price. For ISO shares (qualifying disposition), basis equals strike plus any ordinary-income component at exercise. For ESPP shares, basis depends on whether the sale is a qualifying or disqualifying disposition. These basis rules materially affect whether a reported gross sale amount is mostly gain or mostly return of basis.

Frequently asked

What's the tax on a $300,000 long-term capital gain in Arkansas?
Approximately $64,250 total. Federal LTCG: $45,830. NIIT at 3.8%: $11,400. Arkansas state tax: $7,020.
Short-term vs long-term?
If the same $300,000 gain were short-term (held under 12 months), it would be taxed as ordinary income at up to 37% federal plus state, coming to approximately $128,084. That's $63,834 more than the long-term number. Holding past the 12-month mark usually saves meaningful money.
Does Arkansas tax capital gains the same as ordinary income?
Arkansas gives preferential treatment to long-term capital gains. The specific exclusion or rate depends on current statute; the number above uses a rough 40% exclusion factor.
What about QSBS?
If the gain is on Qualified Small Business Stock held more than five years, up to the greater of $10M or 10× basis may be excluded from federal tax under IRC §1202. Arkansas's conformity varies; verify current-year treatment.

Related

Educational estimate · 2025 brackets · Single filer · Long-term hold · $250k other ordinary income · Not tax advice

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