Answers · UK 2025/26

How much capital gains tax do I pay on £90,000 profit?

On a £90,000 gain in 2026/27, the first £3,000 is tax-free, leaving £87,000 taxable. A higher-rate taxpayer pays 24% (£20,880); a basic-rate taxpayer pays 18% on the part within their remaining basic-rate band and 24% on the rest, since a gain this size usually spans both bands.

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 £90,000 gain, £87,000 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, whose income already exceeds the £50,270 higher-rate threshold, pays 24% on the full £87,000, giving £20,880. Worked example: someone with £30,000 of income has £20,270 of unused basic-rate band before hitting the £50,270 higher-rate threshold, so they pay 18% on £20,270 (£3,648.60) and 24% on the remaining £66,730 (£16,015.20), totalling £19,663.80. Gains this size warrant careful planning: spreading a disposal across two tax years (where possible) uses two annual exemptions and two basic-rate bands, potentially saving several thousand pounds. Business Asset Disposal Relief, charging a flat 18% up to a £1 million lifetime limit, may apply to qualifying business or company share sales. UK residential property gains must be reported and paid within 60 days of completion. Use the Capital Gains Tax calculator to work out your exact liability.