Answers · UK 2025/26
Can I claim a capital loss on shares that have become worthless?
Yes. A negligible value claim lets you treat shares or crypto that have become almost worthless as sold and immediately reacquired, crystallising a capital loss without an actual sale. The loss can then offset current or future gains, and the claim can be backdated up to two tax years.
Full answer
When an asset such as company shares becomes of negligible value, for example after the company is liquidated, you do not have to find a buyer to use the loss. A negligible value claim under the CGT rules treats the asset as disposed of and immediately reacquired at its (near-zero) market value, producing an allowable capital loss equal to what you paid. You must still own the asset when you claim, and it must genuinely be worth next to nothing, not merely fallen in price. Worked example: you bought shares for GBP 8,000 in a company that has since gone into liquidation with no return to shareholders. You make a negligible value claim for 2026/27, crystallising an GBP 8,000 capital loss. If you also realised a GBP 10,000 gain elsewhere that year, the loss reduces it to GBP 2,000, which is within the GBP 3,000 annual exempt amount, so no CGT is due. You can also ask for the deemed disposal to be backdated to either of the two preceding tax years if the asset was already of negligible value then, which can unlock relief against earlier gains. For unquoted trading company shares you subscribed for, you may even be able to set the loss against income tax under share loss relief. Crypto can qualify too. You make the claim through Self Assessment. Use the Capital Gains Tax calculator to see the effect, and check the negligible value list and rules at gov.uk.
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.