Answers · UK 2025/26

How much capital gains tax do I pay on £45,000 profit?

On a £45,000 gain in 2026/27, the first £3,000 is tax-free, leaving £42,000 taxable. A basic-rate taxpayer pays 18% (£7,560) and a higher-rate taxpayer pays 24% (£10,080) on most assets, depending on your income and how much of the gain falls into each band.

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 £45,000 gain, £42,000 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 £42,000, which is £10,080. A basic-rate taxpayer with enough unused basic-rate band pays 18% of £42,000, which is £7,560, though a gain this large will typically push at least part of it into the 24% band once added to income, so the effective bill sits between the two figures for most people. To find your exact split, add the taxable gain to your income: any portion above the £50,270 higher-rate threshold is taxed at 24%. Business owners disposing of qualifying business assets or shares in their own trading company may qualify for Business Asset Disposal Relief, charging a flat 18% rather than the standard rates, up to a £1 million lifetime limit. CGT on UK residential property must be reported and paid within 60 days of completion; other gains go through Self Assessment. Use the Capital Gains Tax calculator to compute your exact liability.