Factcheck LedgerReceipts, not verdicts

What is the capital gains tax rate in the UK?

For 2026-27, individuals pay capital gains tax at 18% on gains that fall within the basic-rate band and 24% above it, after a tax-free allowance of £3,000 a year (£1,500 for most trusts), according to GOV.UK. Trustees and personal representatives pay 24%.

The tax is on the gain, not the sale price. It applies to things such as shares outside an ISA, second homes, business assets, cryptoassets and personal possessions worth £6,000 or more. Your main home is normally exempt, as are ISAs, gilts and Premium Bonds.

The allowance has been cut sharply in recent years, from £12,300 in 2022-23, so more people now report gains. Business Asset Disposal Relief and other reliefs change the rate for some disposals.

Official sources: GOV.UK: Capital Gains Tax · HMRC: tax and NICs receipts

Related questions

This answer says where the official figures are published and how they are defined. It gives no verdict on any claim. To report an error, send a correction request. More questions about tax rates, allowances and household bills: all Tax rates, allowances and household bills questions.

Email alerts and the weekly newsletter

We'll ask you to confirm first. Every email has an unsubscribe link, and unsubscribing deletes your address. Privacy.