What is the long-term capital gains tax? Here are the rates for 2025-2026
Certain windfalls and profits are considered capital gains. Here’s how to determine what you’ll owe.
10 min read
Nov 29, 2025
James Royal, Ph.D.
Former Principal Writer, Investing and Wealth Management
EXPERTISE
- Investing
- Wealth management
- Behavioral finance
- Stock analysis
EDUCATION
- Bachelor of Science in management, University of Florida
- Master of Arts in English, University of Florida
- Doctorate in English, University of Florida
Former Bankrate principal writer and editor James F. Royal, Ph.D. covered investing, financial markets, wealth management, cryptocurrency and retirement issues such as IRAs, 401(k) plans and Social Security — helping individuals make smart financial decisions that can positively and significantly improve their lives. He was at Bankrate since 2019, and has been investing in the markets for more than two decades, starting to invest during the “dotcom” boom and bust.
In particular, James is focused on how to invest well, helping individuals build wealth. His articles focused on the real steps to build wealth as well as the financial moves to avoid, those peddled by people just looking to sell you something. Importantly, he also focused on behavioral finance — an individual’s attitudes and experiences to money and investing — as a key place that people sabotage their own financial future, such as by approaching investing with fear and greed.
His work has been cited across major media, including CNBC, the Washington Post, The New York Times, CNN International and the Associated Press, and he has appeared on TV and radio in countless media outlets. James is also the author of The Zen of Thrift Conversions and Options Trading 101. He previously worked as an editor and analyst at the Motley Fool.
When he’s not thinking and writing about investing, James enjoys reading, French cinema and playing Jeopardy, having appeared on the TV game show.
James beyond Bankrate
Our goal is to get wiser every day and avoid the mistakes of the past.
— James Royal, Ph.D.
James's latest articles
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Cash accounts vs. margin accounts: What’s the difference?
For the prudent investor, margin accounts can provide huge upside potential.
5 min read Jul 18, 2023 -
How lawmakers propose easing Social Security funding concerns
While there’s still time to adjust funding for the program, it’s going to require major work and the cooperation of Washington lawmakers.
4 min read May 25, 2023 -
What is a limit order in stock trading?
Limit orders can protect you, especially with small stocks.
4 min read Nov 10, 2022 -
A retiree’s guide to hosting on Airbnb
Here’s how you can stay safe and maximize your profits by becoming a home sharing host in retirement.
6 min read Sep 06, 2022 -
ETFs vs. ETNs: What’s the difference?
Here are what ETFs and ETNs are and some of the key differences between them.
3 min read Aug 31, 2022 -
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC): What it is and how it regulates financial markets
The agency maintains confidence in America’s financial markets worth more than $100 trillion.
4 min read Aug 25, 2022 -
Grantor trust: What it is and a guide to how the rules work
This revocable trust has all its income and deductions reported on the owner’s tax return. Learn more about how it works.
3 min read Aug 24, 2022 -
Inflation may push Social Security COLA up around 10% in 2023
Surging prices could push next year’s Social Security COLA to 10%.
2 min read Aug 12, 2022