Tax and Structures
Capital gains tax
Timing of gains
The capital gain generally becomes taxable in the year the asset is sold or transferred to a different owner. For capital gains tax purposes, certain assets, such as investment properties, are considered sold when the sale contract is entered into. This is usually when the property exchanges rather than at settlement.
When the sale of a property exchanges, contracts are signed and entered into. Settlement is when the property changes hands and the remaining purchase price is paid.
Always make sure you have money available to meet your capital gains tax liability when it falls due. By carefully planning when profitable assets should be sold, you can potentially enhance your tax position.
For example, a person retiring in the next financial year might defer the sale of a share portfolio until retirement when their other income is much lower.
When looking at using timing to manage asset sales and associated tax exposures, please seek advice and guidance. As well as considering tax implications, you need to consider when it is a good time to sell to get the best price.
