Answers · UK 2025/26

How much capital gains tax do I pay on £15,000 profit?

On a £15,000 gain in 2026/27, the first £3,000 is tax-free under the annual exempt amount, leaving £12,000 taxable. A basic-rate taxpayer pays 18% (£2,160) and a higher-rate taxpayer pays 24% (£2,880) on most assets, depending on your income.

Last updated: 10 July 2026Last reviewed: 10 July 2026How we verify

Full answer

Capital Gains Tax (CGT) for 2026/27 has an annual exempt amount of £3,000. On a £15,000 gain, £12,000 is taxable. The rate depends on where the gain sits when stacked on top of your income: 18% within the basic-rate band and 24% above it for most assets, including shares and second properties. A higher-rate taxpayer pays 24% of £12,000, which is £2,880. A basic-rate taxpayer with enough unused basic-rate band pays 18% of £12,000, which is £2,160, though the gain itself often pushes part of it into the 24% band, so the actual bill can land in between these two figures. To find the exact split, add the gain to your taxable income for the year: any portion that takes you above the £50,270 higher-rate threshold is taxed at 24%, with the rest at 18%. CGT is a UK-wide tax, so Scottish residents pay the same CGT rates even though their Income Tax bands differ. Spouses can transfer assets between them tax-free to use both £3,000 exemptions, effectively sheltering £6,000 of combined gains. CGT is reported and paid via Self Assessment, except UK residential property gains, which must be reported and paid within 60 days of completion. Use the Capital Gains Tax calculator to compute your exact liability.