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Capital Gains Tax

Clear, straightforward advice on what you owe — and how to plan ahead — when you sell or give away shares, business assets, or valuable possessions.

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If you've sold or given away shares, business assets, or valuable possessions, you may need to pay Capital Gains Tax (CGT) on the profit. The rules aren't always obvious, and getting the timing or the figures wrong can mean paying more than you need to — or missing a reporting deadline altogether. We help clients understand exactly what's taxable, work out what's owed, and plan disposals in the most tax-efficient way.

What is Capital Gains Tax?

Capital Gains Tax is charged on the profit you make when you sell, gift, swap, or otherwise dispose of an asset that has increased in value. You're taxed on the gain — the difference between what you paid and what you received — not on the full amount of the sale.

What can be taxed

CGT can apply to a range of assets, including:

Shares and investments

Held outside a tax-free wrapper such as an ISA or pension.

Business assets

Including land, buildings, and plant and machinery.

Valuable personal possessions

Jewellery, art, antiques, coins and similar items worth more than £6,000.

Assets transferred between spouses or civil partners are treated as no gain, no loss.

Selling a property? Capital Gains Tax on property — including the 60-day reporting rule — is covered on our dedicated property pages.

Current rates and allowance

For the 2025/26 tax year:

18%

For gains falling within the basic-rate Income Tax band.

24%

For gains above the basic-rate band.

£3,000

The Annual Exempt Amount — the first £3,000 of gains each year is tax-free. It can't be carried forward, so unused allowance is lost at the end of the tax year.

These rates apply equally to shares, business assets and personal possessions, following changes announced in the Autumn Budget.

Reporting and deadlines

Gains on shares, business assets and personal possessions are reported through your Self Assessment tax return, due by 31 January following the end of the tax year.

If your gains are covered entirely by the Annual Exempt Amount and you have no other Self Assessment obligation, you generally won't need to report them — but it's worth checking, as reporting thresholds and rules can change.

How we help

Working out what's taxable and what isn't, before you sell
Calculating the likely CGT bill so there are no surprises
Timing disposals to make the best use of allowances and reliefs, such as Business Asset Disposal Relief
Handling the reporting and filing, on time, every time

Thinking of selling an asset?

Every situation is different, so we quote based on your circumstances. Get in touch for a clear, no-obligation quote before you make a move.