Are capital gains included in income if total income will be under the $90000 level for joint return, or does it not have to be included in income calculations?

[ejohnson62081]

Total income for year is 66000, including 16000 in capital gains. This amount of gains has dropped my refund amount by over 1500 but should not be taxed if income is under the approximately 90000 joint level that it is.

[Bsch4477]

Capital gains are included in total income. 

[JohnB5677]

Yes, you do have to post and include capital gains in your tax return.

The Adjusted Gross Income is used to determine if you qualify for the -0%-  capital gain rate.

The AGI includes includes 

• wages, 
• tips, 
• interest, 
• dividends, 
• capital gains, 
• business income, 
• retirement income and 
• other forms of taxable income.

See the IRS publication Capital gains tax rates