The 2020 federal income tax brackets on ordinary income: 10% tax rate up to $9,875 for singles, up to $19,750 for joint filers, 12% tax rate up to $40,125. Married but filing jointly taxpayers earning between $78,751 and $488,850, and heads of household earning up to $461,700 will pay 15% on long-term capital gains. 20% Tax Bracket – Anything above the limits will result in the taxpayer having to pay 20% on long-term capital gains. There are two main categories for capital gains: short- and long-term. Short-term capital gains are taxed at your ordinary income tax rate. Long-term capital gains are taxed at only three rates: 0%, 15%, and 20%. The actual rates didn't change for 2020, but the income brackets did adjust slightly.