Expert Capital Gains Tax Accountant
ZahTax are a team of expert Chartered Certified Accountants for Self-Employed individuals and sole trader businesses. We provide high-quality accounting and tax services tailored to the needs of self-employed professionals. As specialist sole trader tax return accountants based in London and Surrey, we ensure your accounts are accurate, compliant, and filed on time.
- Chartered Certified Accountants
- Fixed Fee Services
- Tax Liability Minimisation
What is Capital Gains Tax?
Capital Gains Tax (CGT) becomes payable when you sell an asset and make a profit—but it can also apply when you gift, transfer, or exchange an asset. These assets may include residential or commercial properties, shares, or business interests. Understanding when and how CGT applies can be complex, which is why working with a qualified Capital Gains Tax Accountant is essential to ensure accurate reporting and to take advantage of all available tax reliefs.
At Zahtax, our specialist Capital Gains Tax Accountants and advisors assist individuals and landlords with a wide range of CGT-related matters. Whether you’re disposing of property, transferring shares, or navigating complex reliefs, we provide tailored advice to help you reduce your CGT liability and stay compliant with HMRC regulations.
We advise clients on a wide range of capital gains tax matters, including the sale of residential Buy to Let properties, commercial disposals, and the sale of shares in listed companies or family-owned businesses.
Capital Gains Tax Advice on the Sale of Property
Our experienced Capital Gains Tax Accountants provide expert advice on the sale or disposal of both residential and commercial properties. Whether you’re selling a Buy to Let property, a second home, or commercial real estate, we offer comprehensive guidance on the tax implications involved. We can carry out pre-sale capital gains calculations to give you a clear estimate of your potential tax liability, and we handle all the required HMRC compliance after the sale. With a qualified Capital Gains Tax Accountant on your side, you can ensure your transaction is tax-efficient and fully compliant.
Capital Gains Tax on the Sale of Shares
When you sell shares and make a profit, you may be required to pay Capital Gains Tax (CGT) on the gain, depending on your income level and the size of the profit. CGT applies whether you’re selling shares in publicly listed companies, shares in a private family business, or disposing of shares received through an employee share scheme. You may be entitled to use your annual CGT allowance (currently £3,000 as of 2025/26) to reduce your taxable gain, and in some cases, you may also be eligible for reliefs such as Business Asset Disposal Relief, which can significantly lower the tax rate if the shares meet specific conditions.
Our expert team of qualified Capital Gains Tax Accountant can assist you in determining your gain accurately by considering acquisition costs, transaction fees, and any applicable reliefs. We can also advise you on tax-efficient strategies, such as share pooling, gifting to a spouse to maximise allowances, or timing your disposals to minimise tax liability.
What are the tax rates applicable to Capital Gains?
The Capital Gains Tax (CGT) rates you pay in the UK depend on two main factors: the type of asset you are selling and your overall income level. For example, different rates apply to residential property compared to other assets such as shares or business interests. Additionally, your income tax band—whether you’re a basic rate, higher rate, or additional rate taxpayer—will determine the rate of CGT that applies to your gain. Understanding these factors is essential for accurate tax planning and to ensure you’re not paying more tax than necessary.
Capital Gains Tax applicable to Individuals (2025/26)
Capital Gains Tax Rates 2025/26
Tax Type
Basic Rate Taxpayer
Higher Rate Taxpayer
Asset Type
Capital Gains Tax
18%
24%
Residential Property
Capital Gains Tax
10%
20%
Other Assets (e.g. shares)
Key Capital Gains Tax Deadlines
If you sell an asset in the UK, it’s essential to stay on top of your filing and payment deadlines to avoid penalties. Below are the key dates to remember:
- 60 days – Report and pay CGT on the sale of UK residential property (if CGT is due)
- 31 October – Deadline to submit a paper Self Assessment tax return (for disposals of other assets)
- 31 January – Deadline to pay any CGT due through Self Assessment (for assets like shares, commercial property, etc.)
- 31 January – Deadline to pay any tax owed for the previous tax year, including the first payment on account (if applicable).
- Missed 60-day deadline (initial late filing):: £100 penalty if your return is up to 3 months late; more if it’s later
- More than 6 months late: Additional penalty of £300 or 5% of the tax due (whichever is higher).
- More than 12 months late: Another £300 or 5% of the tax due (whichever is higher), in addition to previous penalties.
How Zahtax Can Help You with Your Capital Gains Taxes
- Expert guidance from qualified Capital Gains Tax Accountants
- Pre-sale tax planning to help reduce your CGT liability
- Accurate CGT calculations for residential, commercial properties, and shares
- Assistance with claiming available reliefs (e.g. Private Residence Relief, Letting Relief, Business Asset Disposal Relief)
- Preparation and submission of the 60-day CGT return for property disposals
- Support with CGT reporting via Self Assessment for other asset sales
- Compliance with HMRC deadlines to avoid penalties and interest
- Advice for non-resident individuals selling UK property
- End-to-end support from planning to filing — giving you peace of mind
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about sole trader tax requirements and our services.
What is the deadline for sole trader tax returns?
The deadline for online self-assessment tax returns is 31st January following the end of the tax year. For the 2023/24 tax year, the deadline is 31st January 2025. Paper returns must be submitted by 31st October.
Do I need to register as a sole trader?
Yes, you must register with HMRC as soon as you start self-employment or by 5th October in your business’s second tax year, whichever is earlier. You can register online through the HMRC website or we can help you with the registration process.
What expenses can I claim as a sole trader?
You can claim expenses that are wholly and exclusively for business purposes, including office costs, travel expenses, equipment, professional fees, insurance, and marketing costs. We can help you identify all allowable expenses to minimize your tax liability.
How much does your sole trader tax service cost?
We offer fixed-fee pricing for transparency. Our sole trader tax return service starts from £299, which includes preparation and submission of your self-assessment, advice on allowable expenses, and ongoing support throughout the year.
What's the difference between sole trader and limited company?
As a sole trader, you and your business are legally the same entity, and you pay income tax and National Insurance on profits. A limited company is a separate legal entity, and you typically pay corporation tax on profits and income tax/NI on salary/dividends. We can advise which structure is most tax-efficient for your situation.
Do I need to keep records as a sole trader?
Yes, you must keep records of your business income and expenses for at least 5 years after the 31st January submission deadline. This includes invoices, receipts, bank statements, and records of business mileage. We can help you set up an efficient record-keeping system.
Can you help with VAT registration?
Yes, we provide complete VAT services including registration, returns, and advice. You must register for VAT if your taxable turnover exceeds £85,000 (2023/24 threshold), but you can also register voluntarily. We’ll assess whether VAT registration would benefit your business.