Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
Search
Accessibility Menu

What Is a Realized Gain?

By Matthew Frankel, CFP – Updated Jun 12, 2025 at 12:30PM

Key Points

  • Realized gains trigger taxes, influencing when to sell investments.
  • Long-term gains are taxed lower than short-term, maximizing after-tax revenue.
  • Realized losses can offset gains, reducing taxable income effectively.
Key findings are powered by ChatGPT and based solely off the content from this article. Findings are reviewed by our editorial team. The author and editors take ultimate responsibility for the content.

Our Guides

Premium Investing Services

Invest better with The Motley Fool. Get stock recommendations, portfolio guidance, and more from The Motley Fool's premium services.