Reviewed by Mustafa Bilgic
Founder, WebCalculator
CGT rates and the annual exempt amount are taken from HMRC for 2026/27. Reliefs can be complex — consider advice from a qualified tax adviser. Estimates only.
Sold shares, a fund, crypto or a second property? Estimate the Capital Gains Tax due in 2026/27 after the £3,000 annual exempt amount — with the 18% and 24% rates applied to the right slices of your gain.
2026/27 · England, Wales & NI rates
You pay Capital Gains Tax (CGT) on the profit when you sell an asset that has risen in value — not on the whole amount you receive. The gain is the sale price minus what you paid and any allowable costs. The first £3,000 of gains each tax year is tax-free under the annual exempt amount.
What’s left is taxed at a rate that depends on your other income. The slice of the gain that fits inside your remaining basic-rate band is taxed at the lower rate; anything above the higher-rate threshold is taxed at the higher rate.
| Asset | Basic-rate band | Higher-rate band |
|---|---|---|
| Shares, funds, crypto, other | 18% | 24% |
| Residential property | 18% | 24% |
For most assets you report gains through Self Assessment by 31 January after the tax year. For UK residential property, you must report and pay within 60 days of completion using HMRC’s online CGT service. Keep records of purchase costs, improvement costs and selling fees, as these reduce the gain.
The annual exempt amount is £3,000. You only pay CGT on gains above this in the tax year.
For shares and most assets, 18% within your remaining basic-rate band and 24% above it. Residential property is also taxed at 18% and 24%.
Take your gain (sale price minus cost and allowable expenses), subtract the £3,000 allowance, then apply 18% or 24% depending on how much basic-rate band remains after your income.
Usually not — your main residence is covered by Private Residence Relief. CGT mainly applies to second homes, buy-to-lets, shares outside an ISA, funds and crypto.