Wyoming Capital Gains Tax Rate (2026)
Wyoming capital gains tax overview
Wyoming has no individual income tax. Capital gains are not taxed at the state level.
Federal + Wyoming combined rates
Your total capital gains tax bill includes both layers — federal and state. Here is what a Wyoming investor pays in 2026 for long-term gains:
| Federal Long-Term Rate | Wyoming State Rate | Combined Rate | Plus NIIT (if applicable) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0% | 0% | 0% | 3.8% |
| 15% | 0% | 15% | 18.8% |
| 20% | 0% | 20% | 23.8% |
The NIIT (Net Investment Income Tax) adds an extra 3.8% for taxpayers whose MAGI exceeds $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married filing jointly). It is a federal tax only — Wyoming does not have an equivalent.
How Wyoming compares to other states
Wyoming is one of 8 states with no individual income tax. This group includes: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Wyoming. Residents of these states pay only federal capital gains tax — a significant advantage for investors with large unrealized gains who have flexibility on where they live.
Tax-reduction strategies for Wyoming residents
With no state income tax, Wyoming residents already benefit from one of the most favorable environments for capital gains in the country. The primary levers are federal:
- Hold over 1 year for long-term federal rates (0/15/20%).
- Tax-loss harvesting: Offset your gains with losses realized in the same year. A $20,000 loss offsets $20,000 of gains dollar-for-dollar, saving $4,000 in federal tax at top rates.
- 0% bracket planning: In lower-income years (retirement, sabbatical, between jobs), realize gains at the federal 0% rate. With no state tax, this means zero total capital gains tax.
- Donate appreciated stock directly to charity or a donor-advised fund to avoid capital gains tax entirely while generating a charitable deduction for the full fair market value.
Detailed Wyoming capital gains tax rules
Tax history and legal basis
Wyoming has never imposed a personal income tax. The state constitution does not prohibit one, but strong political culture against income taxation makes implementation extremely unlikely.
Exemptions and special treatment
All capital gains are fully exempt from state taxation. No filing required. Wyoming residents pay only federal capital gains tax.
Filing requirements
No state income tax return required. Wyoming residents report capital gains only on their federal return. Wyoming also has no estate or inheritance tax.
Recent changes and legislative updates
Wyoming remains one of the premier tax-haven states: no income tax, no corporate tax, no estate tax, and strong asset protection/trust laws. The state funds government through mineral extraction taxes (coal, oil, gas), tourism, and sales tax (4% state). Wyoming's trust laws rival South Dakota's for protecting appreciated assets.
Worked example: $50,000 capital gain in Wyoming
Here's exactly what a Wyoming resident would owe on a $50,000 long-term capital gain with $80,000 in other income (single filer, 2026):
| Component | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Capital gain | $50,000 | Long-term (held over 1 year) |
| Federal tax (15%) | −$7,500 | Based on $80,000 ordinary income + gain |
| Wyoming state tax (0%) | −$0 | No state income tax |
| Total tax owed | −$7,500 | Federal + state combined |
| You keep | $42,500 | 85.0% of your gain |
Because Wyoming has no state income tax, you keep $42,500 after federal tax — significantly more than residents of high-tax states like California (where state tax alone would cost ~$4,650 on this gain).
Frequently asked questions — Wyoming
Does Wyoming tax short-term and long-term gains differently?
No — Wyoming has no income tax, so neither type of gain is taxed at the state level. The difference between short-term and long-term only matters for federal purposes.
Do I need to file a Wyoming tax return if I only have capital gains?
No. Wyoming has no income tax, so there is no state return to file for investment income.
What if I moved to Wyoming mid-year?
Moving to Wyoming eliminates future state capital gains taxes, but gains realized while you were a resident of your prior state are taxable by that state. Most states use a prorated approach for part-year residents.