Capital Gains Tax Calculator

Calculate CGT on property, shares, and other assets in South Africa

Calculate CGT

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Renovations, transfer costs, brokerage fees, etc.
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Agent commission, legal fees, advertising, etc.
First R2 million gain is exempt
Up to R1.8 million exclusion
R300,000 exclusion instead of R40,000

Understanding CGT in South Africa

Capital Gains Tax (CGT) is payable when you sell an asset for more than you paid for it. Key points:

  • Inclusion Rate: Only 40% of the gain is taxed for individuals (80% for companies/trusts)
  • Annual Exclusion: First R40,000 of gains per year is tax-free
  • Primary Residence: First R2 million gain on your home is exempt
  • Death Exclusion: R300,000 exclusion for deceased estates

CGT Rates 2024/2025

Entity Type Inclusion Rate Max Tax Rate Effective CGT Rate
Individual 40% 45% 18%
Company 80% 27% 21.6%
Trust 80% 45% 36%

CGT Exclusions

  • Annual Exclusion: R40,000 per tax year (R300,000 on death)
  • Primary Residence: R2,000,000 on the sale of your primary home
  • Small Business: R1,800,000 for business owners 55+ retiring
  • Personal Use Assets: Cars, furniture, etc. are generally exempt
  • Retirement Funds: No CGT on RA, pension, or provident fund growth

Capital Gains Tax in South Africa Explained

Capital Gains Tax (CGT) was introduced in South Africa on 1 October 2001. It applies when you dispose of an asset for more than its base cost, resulting in a capital gain.

What Assets are Subject to CGT?

  • Property (residential, commercial, land)
  • Shares and unit trusts
  • Cryptocurrency
  • Business assets
  • Collectibles and art
  • Foreign assets

What is Exempt from CGT?

  • Personal use assets (car, furniture, clothing)
  • Retirement fund benefits
  • Long-term insurance policy proceeds
  • Winnings from gambling or competitions
  • Donations to approved public benefit organisations

Primary Residence Exclusion

If you sell your primary residence, the first R2 million of capital gain is exempt from CGT. To qualify:

  • The property must be your primary residence
  • You must have lived there for most of the ownership period
  • The land must not exceed 2 hectares

When is CGT Payable?

CGT is not a separate tax - it's included in your income tax return. The taxable capital gain is added to your taxable income and taxed at your marginal rate. CGT is payable when you:

  • Sell an asset
  • Donate an asset
  • Exchange an asset
  • Lose or destroy an asset (insurance payout)
  • Emigrate (deemed disposal)
  • Die (deemed disposal)