What has changed
Capital gains tax rates rose to 18 and 24 per cent and the annual exempt amount is frozen at 3,000 pounds. With the allowance now small, more disposals create a tax bill.
Who it affects
Anyone selling assets such as a second property, shares outside an ISA, or a business. Residential property gains must be reported and paid within 60 days of completion.
What you should do
Plan disposals in advance, use your annual exempt amount across tax years where possible, and consider the timing and ownership of assets before you sell.
Planning before a sale, not after, is where the savings are. Once contracts are exchanged your options narrow quickly.