CGT Tax Receipts Have Soared 70% — Five Ways to Keep Your Bill Down

Tax — April 2026

April 3, 2026 — London

Capital gains tax receipts have surged by approximately 70% according to Spring Statement 2026 data — a sign that HMRC is collecting significantly more from investors and property sellers as rates and asset values have risen. If you're planning to sell shares, property, or a business, your CGT bill has likely increased substantially compared to two years ago.

Why Are CGT Receipts Soaring?

• CGT rates raised — now 18%/24% on most assets
• Annual exempt amount slashed from £12,300 to just £3,000
• More disposals as investors rebalance portfolios
• Property sales generating larger gains after years of price rises
• Increased HMRC compliance activity on crypto and shares

Five Ways to Reduce Your CGT Bill

1. Use Your £3,000 Annual Exempt Amount

The annual exempt amount is £3,000 per person — use it every year by selling assets with gains up to this level. Couples can use £6,000 combined. Unused amounts cannot be carried forward.

2. Transfer Assets to Your Spouse Before Selling

Transfers between spouses are CGT-free. Transferring an asset to a lower-rate taxpayer spouse before sale means the gain is taxed at 18% instead of 24%. On a £100,000 gain, that saves £6,000.

3. Invest Inside an ISA

Any gains made inside a Stocks and Shares ISA are completely CGT-free. Use the Bed and ISA strategy — sell assets, crystalise the gain up to the exempt amount, and repurchase inside an ISA.

4. Spread Disposals Across Tax Years

If you're planning a large sale, splitting it across two tax years (before and after 5 April) doubles your exempt amount and may keep some gains in the basic rate band.

5. Claim All Allowable Costs

Every allowable cost — purchase fees, solicitor costs, improvements (for property), stamp duty on purchase — reduces your taxable gain. Many sellers forget some of these. See our Capital Gains Tax UK 2026 Guide.

By Chandraketu Tripathi · April 3, 2026 · kaeltripton.com