Capital Gains Tax by Country
Nine countries, four different methods
Tax
- After Tax
- Effective Rate
Advanced options
Breakdown
- Gain
- Taxable Gain
- Country Name
- Local Name
Gains stack on top of your income to find the band. The first £3,000 each year is exempt. Holding period does not change the rate.
Under United Kingdom rules the tax is £3,060.00, leaving £16,940.00.
Bought at £40,000, sold at £60,000 in the UK — how much tax?
Under United Kingdom rules the tax is £3,060.00, leaving £16,940.00.
An example with the starting values. Change the inputs above for your own numbers.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the calculation so different by country?
It is not only the rate that differs — the method splits four ways. Japan, Germany and France apply one flat rate. Spain and Brazil slice the gain into rising bands. Canada and Australia add only part of the gain to your income and tax it at your own income-tax rate. The UK stacks the gain on top of your income to find the band. The same £20,000 gain can produce several times as much tax in one country as another.
Where does the holding period matter?
Only in Australia and India. Australia taxes half the gain once you pass 12 months; India treats over 12 months as long-term at 12.5% and below that as short-term at 20%. The UK, Germany, France, Japan (listed shares), Spain, Brazil and Canada charge the same rate whether you held it a day or a decade.
Does this apply to property?
No. This calculator is for securities. Property follows separate regimes — Japan charges 39.63% if held five years or less, France tapers relief by holding period, Brazil exempts reinvestment in a home. Check a local tax professional for a property sale.
Why do Canada and Australia ask for my rate?
Because neither has a separate capital gains tax. Part of the gain is added to that year's income and taxed as income. Income tax rates depend on your bracket and, in Canada, your province — so the answer only fits once you enter your own marginal rate.
This is a reference calculation using common investment assumptions and is not a substitute for professional advice. We accept no liability for decisions made from it — see the terms of use for details.