Capital Gains Tax Calculator (UK)
Enter your gain and income to see the Capital Gains Tax due. The annual exempt amount is £3,000.
| Your gain | £20,000 |
|---|---|
| Less: annual exempt amount | −£3,000 |
| Taxable gain | £17,000 |
| £17,000 at 18% | £3,060 |
| Capital Gains Tax | £3,060 |
Assumes the standard Personal Allowance and that you have not used the annual exempt amount elsewhere. You pay CGT through Self Assessment, or report UK property gains within 60 days.
How Capital Gains Tax works
Capital Gains Tax (CGT) is charged on the profit when you sell something that has gone up in value, such as shares outside an ISA, a second home or a buy-to-let property, or a business asset. You do not usually pay CGT on your main home, or on gains within an ISA or pension.
CGT rates and allowance for 2026/27
- Annual exempt amount: £3,000. Gains below this are tax-free.
- Basic rate taxpayers: 18% on gains that fit within the remainder of your basic rate band (up to £37,700 of taxable income).
- Higher and additional rate taxpayers: 24%, and gains above the basic rate band are also taxed at 24%.
Your income decides how much of the basic-rate band is left for your gain. On a £20,000 gain with £30,000 income, the taxable gain is £17,000, all taxed at 18%, giving £3,060.
Reporting and paying
You report gains through your Self Assessment return. If you sell UK residential property, you must report and pay within 60 days of completion. You can also report some gains in the tax year they occur using HMRC’s online service.
Reducing your CGT bill
- Use your £3,000 annual exempt amount every year.
- Offset losses from other disposals.
- Transfer assets to a spouse or civil partner, who may have a lower tax rate and their own allowance.
- Use your ISA and pension allowances, where gains are tax-free.
This is a simplified calculator. Special rules apply to some assets, business disposals, non-residents and carried-forward losses.
Sources: GOV.UK: Capital Gains Tax rates and allowances. Figures last checked on 8 October 2026.
Frequently asked questions
What is the CGT allowance for 2026/27?
The annual exempt amount is £3,000 for 2026/27.
What are the CGT rates?
18% for basic rate taxpayers (within the basic rate band) and 24% for higher and additional rate taxpayers.
Do I pay CGT when I sell my home?
Not normally. Private Residence Relief covers your main home, with some exceptions such as if you let part of it or use it for business.
How soon do I have to pay CGT on a property?
If you sell UK residential property you must report it and pay any CGT within 60 days of completion.
More from UK Answers
Figures are for the 2026/27 tax year from official sources and are estimates for guidance only, not financial or legal advice. Printed from ukanswers.co.uk.