When you sell assets like property or shares and make a profit, you may owe Capital Gains Tax. But everyone gets an annual exemption to protect some gains.
Annual Exemption Amount
For 2026/27, the annual CGT exemption is £3,000. This is the total gain you can make in a year without paying any tax. Couples can each use their own exemption, potentially shielding £6,000.
- Annual exemption: £3,000
- Applies to total gains across all assets
- Unused exemption cannot be carried forward
What Counts as a Gain
Capital gains apply when you sell assets for more than you paid. This includes property (not your main home), shares, funds, and valuable personal items worth over £6,000.
- Property sales (excluding main home)
- Shares and investments
- Valuable items like jewellery or art
Tax Rates on Gains
Gains above your exemption are taxed at 18% for basic rate taxpayers and 24% for higher/additional rate taxpayers. For property, rates are 18% and 24% respectively.
- capital gains tax
- CGT
- tax exemption
- property
- shares
- UK