If you are planning to sell a residential property this year be prepared to pay any capital gains tax (CGT) due within 30 days of the completion date
CGT has normally been payable by 31 January after the end of the tax year in which the contracts are exchanged but for residential sales exchanged on or after 6 April 2020 any CGT due will be payable within 30 days of the completion date.
CGT arising on the disposal of assets other than homes will continue to be payable on 31 January where the seller is a UK resident individual or trustee. There are different rules for individuals who live overseas and for corporate sellers.
As well as paying the CGT due you will have to complete a new online CGT return to report the sale within 30 days. This is required in addition to your self assessment tax return which will have to be completed as normal by 31 January for the previous tax year.
If no CGT is payable on the disposal (for example because the gain is fully covered by the private residence exemption or losses or the annual CGT exemption) then you do not have to file the online CGT return.
In effect you will have to report gains from the sale of residential property twice; first on the online CGT return and then on your self assessment tax return unless, unusually, the self assessment return for the period is submitted first. There will be penalties for failing to complete either tax return on time.
This article is written for the general interest of our clients and is not a substitute for consulting the relevant legislation or taking professional advice. The authors and the firm cannot accept any responsibility for loss arising from any person acting or refraining from acting on the basis of the material included herein.
