Capital Gains Tax (CGT)
Definition
Tax paid on the profits from selling assets like shares or investment property in Australia, with a 50% discount for holdings > 1 year.
Key Takeaways
- CGT applies to profits from selling assets acquired after 20 Sept 1985; main residence generally exempt.
- 50% CGT discount for 2026/27 if asset held at least 12 months (for Australian resident individuals).
- Only the discounted gain (50%) is added to assessable income and taxed at marginal rate.
- Proposed changes from July 2027 will replace 50% discount with indexation; doesn't affect 2026/27.
Detailed Explanation
Capital Gains Tax (CGT) in Australia is levied on the profit (capital gain) made when you sell or dispose of an asset that has increased in value. CGT applies to assets acquired after 20 September 1985, including shares, investment properties, business assets, and collectibles. Your main residence (family home) is generally CGT-exempt under the main residence exemption.
For the 2026/27 financial year, if you hold an asset for at least 12 months before selling, Australian resident individuals, trusts, and partnerships qualify for a 50% CGT discount. This means only half the capital gain is added to your assessable income and taxed at your marginal rate. The discount makes long-term investing significantly more tax-efficient. Note: From 1 July 2027, proposed changes will replace the 50% discount with inflation indexation and a 30% minimum tax rate, but these changes don't apply to 2026/27.