Long-term gain

Long-term gain

A profit on the sale of a capital assets held longer than 12 months, and eligible for long-term capital gains tax treatment.

Long-Term Capital Gain

The profit one realizes by selling a position one has held for longer than one year. For example, if one buys a stock or bond and sells it five years later for more than what one paid, this is considered a long-term capital gain. The government wishes to encourage long-term investment, and as such, long-term capital gains are usually entitled to preferential treatment for tax purposes; that is, they are taxed at a lower rate than most other income. See also: Long-term capital loss.