Answers · UK 2025/26
How much Capital Gains Tax do I pay on £10,000 profit from selling shares?
On £10,000 profit from selling shares in 2026/27, after the £3,000 annual exempt amount, £7,000 is taxable. A basic rate taxpayer pays 18% (£1,260); a higher or additional rate taxpayer pays 24% (£1,680).
Full answer
Capital Gains Tax on shares and other assets (excluding residential property, which has its own rates) is charged at 18% for basic rate taxpayers and 24% for higher and additional rate taxpayers on gains above the annual exempt amount, which is £3,000 for 2026/27. On a £10,000 profit from selling shares, the first £3,000 is completely tax-free, leaving £7,000 as the taxable gain. Which rate applies depends on your total taxable income plus the gain: if your income and gains combined keep you within the basic rate band (up to £50,270), the 18% rate applies to the whole gain, giving £1,260 of Capital Gains Tax. If the gain pushes you into or through the higher rate band, the portion of the gain that falls above the basic rate threshold is taxed at 24% instead, so someone already earning close to £50,270 from employment might pay close to the full 24% rate on their £7,000 taxable gain, giving £1,680. Shares held within an ISA are completely exempt from Capital Gains Tax regardless of profit, which is why many investors prioritise using their £20,000 annual ISA allowance before investing in a general trading account. Losses from other share sales in the same or previous tax years can be offset against gains before the annual exempt amount is applied, potentially reducing or eliminating the taxable gain altogether -- these losses must be reported to HMRC to be usable, even in years where no tax is due.
Try the calculator
More answers
This answer is informational only and does not constitute financial, tax or legal advice. Figures are for the 2025/26 UK tax year. See our methodology and sources.