Do I need to pay estimated taxes on long-term capital gains if no other income?

[Helper82468ASD]

Starting in 2025.... Single, No dependents, Renter, Unemployed.

I plan to sell shares of stock with long-term gain status to provide monthly income, until I find employment again.

It appears if my total income (via gains) is less than or equal to $48,350 I would not need to pay estimated taxes since my tax liability is zero(?).  I also live in a state with no state income tax or gains tax. (I also have some marginal dividends from other accounts, and will take it into consideration).

Questions...

1. Do I need to pay estimated taxes in the above scenario?

2. Can I also consider the 2025 standard deduction of $15,000 will then allow gains up to $63,350 and pay no taxes?

Open to any other thoughts on this.   Thank you.

References:

https://www.bankrate.com/investing/long-term-capital-gains-tax/#what-is-the-long-term-capital-gains-...

https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/small-business-taxes/estimated-taxes-how-to-determine-what-to-p...

[fanfare]

"It appears if my total income (via gains) is less than or equal to $48,350 I would not need to pay estimated taxes since my tax liability is zero(?). "

No.

Was your 2024 federal tax Zero?

if so, you don't have to pay 2025 Estimated tax; there will not be a penalty.

@Helper82468ASD 

[fanfare]

With capital gains of about 48,000, why do you think your tax will be zero?

@Helper82468ASD 

[AmyC]

1. You may or may not be required to pay estimated tax as Fanfare states above. However, the IRS philosophy is that estimated taxes should be paid when you make money. If you owe over $5,000, that is considered a substantial underpayment. You may get a great job and withholding the extra tax from your paycheck could rectify the situation.

2. No. Take a look at the sch D tax worksheet and you will see the hard numbers.