capital gains tax: what is it?

Capital gains tax is often referred to as a ‘voluntary tax’ (as is inheritance tax) because with effective planning it can be avoided, reduced, or delayed. Simply put, it’s a tax applied to the profit that is made when an individual disposes of an asset that has increased in value.

With careful planning and advice on capital gains tax and property – ensuring that capital assets are disposed of in such a way as to utilize annual personal CGT allowance to its fullest, for instance – individuals can reduce, delay or even avoid capital gains tax payments.

Our experienced team of accountants and capital gains tax advisors in London will work closely with you to provide advice on capital gains tax and property and take advantage of all available reliefs and plan for any future liabilities. There are several approaches we can take, depending on how your affairs are structured – but broadly speaking, our specialism includes:

Reducing the amount of capital gains tax by:

Making full use of your annual allowances.
Making full use of valid tax deductions (such as ‘banked’ indexation allowance and professional fees).
Making full use of all relevant reliefs (such as entrepreneurs’ relief, principal private residence relief, hold-over relief, and rollover relief) and ensuring that you have the best chance of qualifying. The various reliefs available are attractive, but without expert advice, mistakes are easily made and these could affect your eligibility.
Reviewing whether trusts or pension funds could be useful in capital gains tax
Reviewing whether previous losses could be used to reduce a CGT bill (capital loss relief).
Advising on industry-specific reliefs and regulations (such as the new CGT rules for non-resident landlords).
Advising on wills; is a sensitive topic, but – in certain cases – a useful planning device.
Advising on ownership of assets to maximize reliefs within a family or between husband and wife; guidance regarding the transfer of assets in instances of divorce.
Planning for both domiciled and non-domiciled residents, to ensure that any movements do not result in unexpected UK capital gains tax