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Capital Gains Tax Calculator

Calculate CGT on any Australian asset — shares, property, crypto, or other investments — including capital loss offsets.

Include purchase price, acquisition costs, and any capital improvements.
Net proceeds after selling costs (agent fees, brokerage, etc.).
Estimated CGT Payable
$0
Gross Gain
$0
Net Gain After Losses
$0
CGT Discount (50%)
—
Taxable Gain
$0
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Capital Gains Tax in Australia — The Fundamentals

CGT is not a separate tax — it is part of your income tax. Capital gains are added to your taxable income in the year of the CGT event and taxed at your marginal rate. Because of this, the actual CGT you pay depends heavily on what other income you have in that year.

The Cost Base

Your cost base is what you paid — plus all incidental acquisition costs. For property this means purchase price, stamp duty, and legal fees. For shares it means the share price plus brokerage. For crypto it means the AUD equivalent paid, plus exchange or network fees. Capital improvements (for property) are also included. Costs you have already claimed as tax deductions cannot be added to the cost base.

Capital Loss Offsets

Capital losses from other CGT events in the same year — or carried forward from prior years — reduce your net capital gain before the 50% discount is applied. For example, if you have a $30,000 gain and $10,000 in carried-forward losses, your net gain is $20,000. If held over 12 months, the 50% discount brings the taxable amount to $10,000.

The Order of Calculation

  1. Calculate the gross gain: sale proceeds minus cost base
  2. Apply any capital losses to get the net gain
  3. If held over 12 months, apply the 50% CGT discount
  4. Add the taxable gain to your other income
  5. Calculate tax on the combined income, subtract tax on other income alone

Timing Your Sale

Because capital gains are taxed in the year the contract is signed, you may be able to time the sale to minimise tax. Selling in a year where your other income is lower (e.g. if you take parental leave or retire) can drop you into a lower tax bracket and reduce your CGT significantly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What assets are subject to CGT in Australia?
Most assets are subject to CGT, including investment property, shares, managed funds, cryptocurrency, collectables over $500, personal use assets over $10,000, and business assets. Main residences and cars are generally exempt. Assets acquired before 20 September 1985 (pre-CGT assets) are also exempt.
How do I offset capital losses?
Capital losses from CGT events must first be offset against capital gains in the same income year. If your losses exceed your gains, the excess is carried forward to offset future capital gains (indefinitely). Capital losses cannot be used to reduce ordinary income.
When does a CGT event happen?
A CGT event happens when you dispose of (sell, gift, or otherwise transfer) a CGT asset. For most assets, the event occurs when you enter into the contract of sale, not when settlement occurs. The gain or loss is reported in the tax return for the income year in which the event occurred.
What is my cost base?
Your cost base includes the amount you paid to acquire the asset, plus any incidental costs of acquisition (legal fees, brokerage, stamp duty), improvement costs, and certain holding costs. Amounts previously claimed as tax deductions cannot be included in the cost base.
Can I choose which parcel of shares to sell to minimise CGT?
Yes. For shares or units in the same fund acquired at different times, you can choose which parcel you are selling. Choosing parcels that are older (to get the 50% discount) or have a higher cost base (to reduce the gain) can legally minimise your CGT liability.
Are CGT losses deductible against income?
No. Capital losses can only be offset against capital gains, not against ordinary income. This is a fundamental rule of Australian CGT. Unused capital losses are carried forward indefinitely to future years.
Disclaimer: This calculator provides general estimates for common CGT scenarios. Complex situations — including business assets, deceased estates, trusts, and small business CGT concessions — may have very different outcomes. This is not tax advice. Consult a registered tax agent for personalised CGT advice.

Related Calculators

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Crypto CGT

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See the tax saving from holding an asset over 12 months.

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