The annual exempt amount applicable to Capital Gains Tax (CGT) is currently £6,000 and is set to be reduced to £3,000 from April 2024.

CGT is normally charged at a simple flat rate of 20% and this rate applies to most chargeable gains made by individuals. If taxpayers only pay basic rate tax and make a small capital gain, they may only be subject to a reduced rate of 10%. Once the total of taxable income and gains exceed the higher rate threshold, the excess will be subject to 20% CGT. 

A higher rate of CGT applies to gains on the disposal of residential property (apart from a principal private residence). The rates are 18% for basic rate taxpayers and 28% for higher rate taxpayers.

Most people are aware that they do not usually have to pay CGT when they sell their qualifying residential property used wholly as a main family residence. However, other sales of property that are not a principle private residence (PPR) will be subject to CGT.

These include:

• buy-to-let properties
• business premises
• land
• inherited property

The deadline for paying any CGT due on the sale of a residential property is 60 days. This means that a CGT return needs to be completed and a payment on account of any CGT due should be made within 60 days of the completion of the transaction. This applies to UK residents selling UK residential property where CGT is due.

There are various reliefs available from CGT for the sale of qualifying business assets.

CIGMA Accounting

CIGMA Accounting Ltd is a forward-thinking accounting and tax firm based in London, dedicated to delivering high-quality compliance, tax planning, and business advisory services to entrepreneurs, landlords, and growing SMEs. With offices in Wimbledon and Farringdon, we combine local expertise with a tech-driven approach to simplify accounting. Our services include corporation tax filing, VAT compliance, HMRC investigation support, R&D tax credit claims, capital allowances optimisation, and bookkeeping automation. What sets CIGMA apart is our ability to blend traditional accounting rigour with AI-powered systems that reduce errors, save time, and provide real-time financial insights. Our team ensures that every client - from startups to high-net-worth individuals - receives a bespoke solution aligned with their growth goals. Whether you need strategic tax planning, help with HMRC disclosures, or a full outsourced finance function, CIGMA Accounting delivers clarity, compliance, and confidence.

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The annual exempt amount applicable to Capital Gains Tax (CGT) has been reduced to £6,000 (from £12,300) for the new 2023-24 tax year.

CGT is normally charged at a simple flat rate of 20% and this applies to most chargeable gains made by individuals. If taxpayers only pay basic rate tax and make a small capital gain, they may only be subject to a reduced rate of 10%. Once the total of taxable income and gains exceed the higher rate threshold, the excess will be subject to 20% CGT. 

A higher rate of CGT applies to gains on the disposal of residential property (apart from a principal private residence). The rates are 18% for basic rate taxpayers and 28% for higher rate taxpayers.

Most people are aware that they do not usually have to pay CGT when they sell their qualifying residential property used wholly as a main family residence. However other sales of property that are not a principle private residence (PPR) will be subject to CGT.

This includes:

• buy-to-let properties
• business premises
• land
• inherited property

The deadline for paying any CGT due on the sale of a residential property is 60-days. This means that a CGT return needs to be completed and a payment on account of any CGT due should be made within 60-days of the completion of the transaction. This applies to UK residents selling UK residential property where CGT is due.

There are various reliefs available from CGT for the sale of qualifying business assets.

CIGMA Accounting

CIGMA Accounting Ltd is a forward-thinking accounting and tax firm based in London, dedicated to delivering high-quality compliance, tax planning, and business advisory services to entrepreneurs, landlords, and growing SMEs. With offices in Wimbledon and Farringdon, we combine local expertise with a tech-driven approach to simplify accounting. Our services include corporation tax filing, VAT compliance, HMRC investigation support, R&D tax credit claims, capital allowances optimisation, and bookkeeping automation. What sets CIGMA apart is our ability to blend traditional accounting rigour with AI-powered systems that reduce errors, save time, and provide real-time financial insights. Our team ensures that every client - from startups to high-net-worth individuals - receives a bespoke solution aligned with their growth goals. Whether you need strategic tax planning, help with HMRC disclosures, or a full outsourced finance function, CIGMA Accounting delivers clarity, compliance, and confidence.

See Full Bio