Capital Gains Tax Services For Businesses and Individuals in UK

Apex Accountants has been supporting individuals and businesses with Capital Gains Tax services since 2006. We provide clear and simple advice to help you understand your tax position and meet all UK requirements. Whether you are selling property, shares, or other assets, our team guides you step by step so you can make the right decisions with confidence.

Our goal is to help you stay compliant while making sure you do not pay more tax than needed. We review your situation carefully, identify all available reliefs, and handle the details on your behalf. With our practical approach and reliable support, you can focus on your plans while we take care of your capital gains tax.

What Assets Are Subject to Capital Gains Tax in the UK? 

The tax is on the gain, not the asset’s sale price. For instance, if you purchased a painting for £15,000 and later sold it for £25,000, you would be liable for CGT only on the £10,000 gain, not the entire sale price. 

Which Items are Subject to CGT Payable in the UK?

You pay Capital Gains Tax on the gain when you sell (or ‘dispose of’):

• most personal possessions, for example, jewellery, paintings, antiques, coins and stamps
• asset worth £6,000 or more, apart from your car
• property that’s not your main home
• your main home if you’ve let it out, used it for business or it’s very large
• any shares that are not in an ISA or PEP
• business assets for example land and buildings, fixtures and fittings, plant and machinery, shares and registered trademarks

Find Out If Your Asset Qualifies for CGT Exemptions!

What Are CGT Rates For 2026/27?

The main rates are 2026/27:

• 18% for any gains that fall within an individual’s unused basic rate band 
• 24% for gains above (higher/additional rate taxpayers), applying uniformly to residential property and other assets. 

An 18% rate applies to gains qualifying for Business Asset Disposal Relief or Investors’ Relief in 2026/27. The higher rate of Capital Gains Tax of 24% applies to most gains made by trustees of settlements and personal representatives.

Annual Exempt Amount (AEA) for Capital Gains Tax UK 

The Annual Exempt Amount (AEA) for Capital Gains Tax UK is set at £3,000 for individuals (including personal representatives) in the 2026/27 tax year. This means you don’t have to pay CGT on gains up to £3,000. However, if your total chargeable gains exceed this limit, you will only pay Capital Gains Tax on the amount above the £3,000 annual exempt amount. The amount of tax you pay will depend on the type of asset involved and your income level for the tax year.

Calculating Capital Gains Tax UK 

If you are not an expert, calculating capital gains tax UK can be difficult. It involves several steps. To help you calculate CGT correctly, we give you some real-life examples so that you can better understand it. 

Simple Step-by-Step CGT Calculations 

Determining the Cost Basis of the Asset: 

The first step is to calculate the initial investment you made in the asset. This includes the purchase price and all associated costs of the asset, such as legal fees, costs spent on improvements, etc. 

Calculate the Sale Price: 

The next step is to calculate the total amount you received after selling the asset. This includes deducting the cost of the sale and the fees of the estate agent from the final sale price. 

Calculate the Gain: 

The third step is to calculate the CGT. To calculate capital gains, subtract the cost basis from the asset’s sale price. 

Apply the Annual Exempt Amount: 

The annual exempt amount for individuals, personal representatives and trustees for disabled people for 2026/27 is set at £3,000. This is the amount up to which any gain made is not taxable 

Determine the Tax Rate: 

Finally, establish the tax rate based on your income and the asset type. Basic rate taxpayers pay 18% on most assets and residential property. On the other hand, higher-rate taxpayers pay 24% on most assets and 24% on residential properties. 

By following these steps, you can accurately calculate your CGT and plan effectively to manage your tax liabilities. 

Property Capital Gains Tax:

Property Capital Gains Tax (CGT) applies to profits from selling or disposing of property that has increased in value, not the total selling price. CGT applies when you sell property that isn’t your primary residence, such as:

• Buy-to-let properties
• Business premises
• Land
• Inherited property

Your gain calculation involves subtracting the original purchase price from the selling price. Let’s say you bought a UK residential property for £200,000 and sold it for £500,000 – you would pay CGT on the £300,000 profit, minus allowable expenses.

The CGT rates for residential property gains are 18% where the gain falls within an individual’s unused basic-rate band and 24% on gains above that band. These rates have applied to residential property disposals since 6 April 2024.

The annual tax-free allowance stands at £3,000 for the 2026/27 tax year. You only pay tax on gains above this amount. Each individual has their own £3,000 allowance, Married couples and civil partners who jointly own assets can generally each use their own annual exempt amount, potentially sheltering up to £6,000 of combined gains from Capital Gains Tax, subject to the ownership structure and reporting requirements.

You need to report and pay any Capital Gains Tax due on UK residential property disposals within 60 days of completion. Missing this deadline may result in penalties and interest charges

How To Reduce Capital Gains Tax Liability On A Property Sale?

You can legally reduce your capital gains tax on property through these proven strategies.

Maximise Private Residence Relief (PRR)

The best exemption is based on your main home status. You will receive full relief during your residence periods and for the last nine months of ownership, regardless of your occupancy status. 

Employ Allowable Deductions

Your taxable gain becomes lower when you deduct these costs:

• Legal and estate agent fees for buying and selling
• Stamp Duty Land Tax paid when purchasing
• Surveyor fees and acquisition costs
• Capital improvements like extensions or renovations (not routine maintenance)

Transfer Assets Strategically:

Married couples and civil partners can pool their annual CGT allowances to reach £6,000. Property share transfers between spouses don’t trigger immediate tax, which doubles your tax-free threshold.

Time Your Sale Wisely:

CGT disposal dates usually align with contract exchange, not completion. You can spread asset sales across different tax years to maximise annual exemptions. Sales after April 6th instead of March let you tap into two years’ allowances.

Offset Losses:

You can reduce property gains with capital losses from other asset sales, which helps especially with the lower annual exemption. HMRC needs these loss reports within four years.

Capital Gains Tax on Rental Property

Understanding how Capital Gains Tax applies to rental property can help you plan effectively and avoid unexpected liabilities. From 6 April 2020, Lettings Relief became significantly restricted and is now generally only available where the property owner shared occupancy with the tenant during the letting period. However, other reliefs, such as Private Residence Relief, may still be available depending on your circumstances.

Effective tax planning depends on accurate calculations, timing, and proper structuring of disposals. If you are unsure where to begin, Apex Accountants & Tax Advisors can help you navigate the rules and ensure your tax position is optimised and fully compliant.

Real-Life Examples:

Example 1: Basic-Rate Taxpayer Selling a Former Main Residence with Letting Period

Scenario: Lisa bought a UK flat in June 2012 for £180,000. She lived in it as her main residence until June 2018 (6 years), then let it out to tenants until she sold it in June 2025 for £320,000.

Other costs:

• Legal/estate agent fees: £5,000
• No major improvements
• She earns £25,000/year, so she is a basic-rate taxpayer.

Step-by-step Calculation:

• Total gain:
  Sale price £320,000 – Purchase price £180,000 – Selling costs £5,000 = £135,000
• Ownership period:
  13 years (2012 to 2025)
  • PRR covers 6 years + final 9 months = 6.75 years
  • Let period: 6.25 years
• PRR exemption portion:
  6.75 ÷ 13 = 51.92%
  £135,000 × 51.92% = £70,092 (exempt via PRR)
• Taxable gain before reliefs:
  £135,000 – £70,092 = £64,908
• Letting Relief
  Since she did not share occupancy with tenants, Letting Relief is not available under post-2020 rules.
• Annual exemption:
  £64,908 – £3,000 = £61,908
• CGT rate (basic-rate band not exceeded):
  Residential rate: 18% / 24%
• CGT Due:
  £37,840 × 18% = £6,811.20
  Remaining £24,068 × 24% = £5,776.32
• Total CGT Due:
  £12,587.52 

Example 2: Higher-Rate Taxpayer Selling a Buy-to-Let Property

Scenario: James is a higher-rate taxpayer with £65,000 annual income. He bought a buy-to-let house in April 2014 for £250,000, never lived in it, and sold it in April 2026 for £420,000.

Costs:

• Legal/agent fees: £6,000
• Renovations: £14,000 (kitchen & bathroom upgrades)

Step-by-step Calculation:

• Gain before deductions:
  £420,000 – £250,000 – £6,000 – £14,000 = £150,000
• PRR and Letting Relief:
  Not applicable (never lived in property)
• Annual exemption:
  £150,000 – £3,000 = £147,000
• CGT rate (higher-rate taxpayer):
  Residential property: 24%
• CGT due:
  £147,000 × 24% = £35,280

Example 3: UK Resident Selling Overseas Property (with Double Taxation Relief)

Scenario: Amir, a UK resident, sells a holiday home in Spain in August 2025. He bought it for €180,000 in 2010 and sells it for €300,000. In addition to paying €6,000 in local selling fees, he spent €10,000 on improvements.

Exchange Rate:
At sale: €1 = £0.85
At purchase: €1 = £0.80

Step-by-step Calculation:

• Converted values to GBP:
  • Purchase price: €180,000 × 0.80 = £144,000
  • Sale price: €300,000 × 0.85 = £255,000
  • Renovation + fees: €16,000 × 0.85 = £13,600
• Gain before reliefs:
  £255,000 – £144,000 – £13,600 = £97,400
• Private Residence Relief (PRR):
  Not available (used as a holiday home only)
• Annual exemption:
  £97,400 – £3,000 = £94,400
• CGT rate (higher-rate taxpayer):
  Overseas property = treated under the standard Capital Gains Tax rates: 18% or 24%
• UK CGT due:
  £94,400 × 24% = £22,656
• Spanish CGT paid (assume 19%):
  £94,400 × 19% = £17,936
• Double Taxation Relief:
  UK CGT £22,656 – Spanish CGT £17,936 = £4,720 payable to HMRC

Note: The disposal date of the asset determines which rates apply. For this calculation, we’ll assume the shares were sold after 30 October 2024.

Basic Rate Taxpayers

Rate: 18% on residential property gains and 18% on other assets (from 30 October 2024).

Example: Earning £40,000 annually and selling shares with a £30,000 gain.

Calculation:

• Taxable income: £40,000 – £12,570 (Personal Allowance) = £27,430
• Total taxable amount (income + gain): £27,430 + £27,000 (after £3,000 CGT allowance) = £54,430
• Basic rate band up to: £50,270
• Capital Gain taxed at 18% (basic rate): £22,840

Tax Due:

• £22,480 × 18% = £4,111.20
• £4,160 × 24% = £998.40

Total CGT Due: £5,109.20

This reflects the proper split of the £27,000 gain across the remaining basic rate band and the excess into the higher rate band.

Higher Rate Taxpayers

Rate: 24% on most assets and 24% on residential property gains (from 30 October 2024).

Example: Earning £70,000 annually and selling a second home with a £50,000 gain.

Calculation:

• Annual income: £70,000 (above the basic rate band of £50,270)
• Total taxable capital gain: £50,000 – £3,000 (CGT allowance) = £47,000
• Since income is already above £50,270, the entire gain is taxed at 24%.

Tax Due:

• £47,000 × 24% = £11,280 

Rate: 24% on most assets and 24% on residential property gains.

Example: Earning £160,000 annually and making a £40,000 gain on antiques.

Calculation:

• Annual income: £160,000 (above the additional rate threshold of £125,140)
• Total taxable capital gain: £40,000 – £3,000 (CGT allowance) = £37,000
• Since income exceeds the additional rate threshold, the entire gain is taxed at 24%.

Tax Due:

• £37,000 × 24% = £8,880

Total CGT Due: £8,880

Worked Example Across Different Bands 

Scenario: Earning £45,000 and Selling a Rental Property with a £60,000 Gain

Calculation: Total income (£105,000). The basic rate band covers up to £50,270. CGT Allowance: £3,000. Taxable Gain: £57,000. Gain within the basic rate band: £5,270; the remaining gain is £51,730.

Tax Due:

• £5,270 × 18% = £948.60
• £51,730 × 24% = £12,415.20 
• £948.60 + £12,415.20 = £13,363.80

Total Tax Due: £15,433

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Capital Gains Tax on Shares, Cryptocurrencies, and Collectables

At Apex Accountants, we provide expert guidance on how Capital Gains Tax (CGT) applies to different types of assets. Whether you’re selling shares, trading cryptocurrencies, or parting with collectables, it’s important to know how your gains are taxed – and how to manage them wisely.

Capital Gains Tax on Shares

When you gain profits by selling shares outside of tax-efficient wrappers like ISAs, Capital Gains Tax is charged on those profits. Tax planning around account structures and CGT allowance can make a huge difference. Our team of capital gains tax advisors and accountants guides you on smart ways to hold and dispose of shares while being tax- efficient.

CGT on Cryptocurrencies

Selling digital currencies such as Bitcoin or Ethereum can trigger CGT. You’ll need to keep full records of all transactions – something HMRC takes seriously.

Example: Bought Bitcoin for £10,000, sold for £18,000 – gain: £8,000.

Tax Treatment:

• Basic rate taxpayers: 18%
• Higher rate taxpayers: 24%

These gains count towards your total income for the year. Our capital gains tax advisors can assist in staying compliant while helping reduce avoidable tax exposure.

UK Capital Gains Tax on Collectables

This includes valuables such as antiques, art, jewellery, and rare items.

Example: Purchased a painting for £2,000, sold it for £8,000 – gain: £6,000.

Tax Treatment:

• CGT applies at the same rates as above
• Chattels sold for £6,000 or less are exempt from CGT. If sold for £6,000-£15,000, the chargeable gain is restricted to 5/3rds of (proceeds minus £6,000), or the actual gain—whichever is lower 

We advise clients on how to manage and report the sale of personal possessions correctly to avoid penalties and take advantage of available reliefs.

Need Help with Capital Gains Tax?

Speak to our capital gains tax specialist UK  today for straightforward advice tailored to your assets. Whether you’re selling investments or valuables, our expert team can help manage your tax position efficiently and with confidence.

Tax Implications for Jointly Owned Assets and Transfers 

For jointly owned assets, each owner is responsible for paying CGT on their portion of the gain. As a result, while determining their CGT obligation, each partner must consider their share of the profit. Transfers between spouses or civil partners, however, are not subject to CGT, which is very helpful when it comes to tax planning. Transferring assets to a spouse who is in a lower tax band, for example, may lower the total CGT upon asset sale.

Additionally, in cases of joint ownership, each person may apply the £3,000 yearly exempt amount. This essentially doubles the amount of exemption that is available, offering even more ways to reduce CGT obligations. Thus, consulting with capital gains tax experts could be very helpful in making the most of these chances and guaranteeing that you take advantage of all applicable CGT deductions and reliefs.

Importance of Record-Keeping and Professional Advice for CGT 

For accurate UK Capital Gains Tax UK calculations, you need to maintain detailed and accurate records. As per HMRC’s requirement, you must retain records for at least 6 years from the tax year in which the asset was sold. This helps you claim all the allowable reliefs and deductions.

With practical advice on capital gains tax, you can stay updated with frequent changes and avoid costly errors due to misunderstandings. It will also allow you to capitalise on opportunities and maximise your savings. Professional advice can be invaluable. 

HMRC Rules For Reporting Capital Gains Tax (CGT) UK 

Accurate reporting of Capital Gains Tax in the UK is crucial to avoid penalties. To stay compliant with HMRC rules, log in to your HMRC online account and complete the Capital Gains section of your Self-Assessment Tax Return, including all asset sales and gains, by 31 January following the end of the relevant tax year (e.g., for the 2026/2027 tax year ending 5 April 2027, the deadline is 31 January 2028).

For UK property sales, you must report and pay Capital Gains Tax (CGT) within 60 days of completion using the “Capital Gains Tax on UK Property” service on HMRC’s website. You need to provide full details of the property, sale price, and gain calculation, and pay any CGT due using HMRC’s online payment system.

Personalised Advice On Capital Gains Tax

Our capital gains tax accountants and advisors offer straightforward CGT advice for landlords, property investors, individuals, and businesses across the UK. Our capital gains tax planning is practical, proactive, and fully aligned with current HMRC rules.

Capital Gains Tax Advice For Landlords & Property Investors

With the CGT allowance set at £3,000 (2026/27) and residential property gains taxed at 18% or 24%, many clients are facing higher tax bills. We help by:

• Timing disposals to reduce tax impact
• Claiming all allowable expenses (legal, agent, and improvement costs)
• Advising on spousal transfers or joint ownership for tax efficiency
• Reviewing your full property portfolio for smarter planning

Your benefit: Clear, practical advice that saves you more than it costs.

UK Capital Gains Tax Advice For Businesses

Company asset disposals, restructuring, or investment exits? Our CGT advice supports:

• Accurate calculations on gains
• Correct use of reliefs
• Group structuring for long-term savings

Your benefit: Confidence that your strategy supports growth, not just compliance.

Capital Gains Tax Advice For Non-UK Residents

Selling UK property as a non-resident? Our CGT advice ensures:

• Timely 60-day HMRC reporting
  
• Correct application of 18% or 24% rates
  
• Full consideration of business use or land size rules
  
• Exemption checks for five-year non-residency

Your benefit: Peace of mind that your property sale is tax-efficient, compliant, and fully optimised.

Capital Gains Tax Specialist UK For Individuals

Selling shares, crypto, or a second home? We simplify CGT for:

• Entrepreneurs selling their business
• Individuals cashing in on investments
• Families handling inherited assets

Our capital gains tax accountants break down exemptions and reliefs (like business asset disposal relief) and help you stay compliant without stress.

Your benefit: Fewer surprises. More money in your pocket.

Why Choose Our Capital Gains Tax Services In The UK?

• Expert help with property, shares, crypto, and business sales
• Clear advice – no technical and complex procedures, just straight answers
• Smart timing tips to reduce your tax bill
• All HMRC paperwork done for you
• Claim every allowance you’re entitled to
• Tailored plans for landlords, individuals, and businesses
• Fast replies – no waiting weeks for answers
• Fair fees with no hidden extras

Partner With Us For Expert Capital Gains Tax Services 

At Apex Accountants, our capital gains tax planning helps you stay compliant with all the regulations. We specialise in CGT planning and compliance, which benefits our clients by maintaining accurate records, maximising available relief, and improving their tax positions.

Contact us today to find out how you can lower your CGT liability on your assets.