Answers · UK 2025/26

How much capital gains tax do I pay on £10,000 of share profit in 2026/27?

On a £10,000 gain from shares for 2026/27 you deduct the £3,000 annual exempt amount, leaving £7,000 taxable. A basic-rate taxpayer pays 18% (£1,260) and a higher or additional-rate taxpayer pays 24% (£1,680). Shares held inside an ISA are exempt from Capital Gains Tax entirely.

Last updated: 7 June 2026Last reviewed: 7 June 2026How we verify

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Selling shares for more than you paid creates a capital gain. For 2026/27 the annual exempt amount is £3,000, so a £10,000 gain leaves £7,000 taxable. The Capital Gains Tax rate depends on your income: gains falling within your remaining basic-rate band are taxed at 18%, and gains above the £50,270 higher-rate threshold are taxed at 24%. A basic-rate taxpayer with room in their band pays 18% of £7,000, which is £1,260. A higher or additional-rate taxpayer pays 24% of £7,000, which is £1,680. If part of the gain straddles the threshold, that part is split between the two rates. Shares held inside a stocks and shares ISA are completely free of Capital Gains Tax, which is why using your £20,000 annual ISA allowance, or moving holdings in through a bed and ISA, is a common way to shelter future gains. You can also offset losses on other share disposals against your gains, and transfers between spouses or civil partners are made at no gain no loss, letting couples use two annual exempt amounts. Gains must be reported through Self Assessment, with tax due by 31 January after the tax year. When working out the gain you use the pooled average cost of shares of the same class, and watch the bed and breakfast rule that catches shares repurchased within 30 days. Use the Capital Gains Tax calculator to enter your gain and income and see the tax.