How is capital gain calculated?

A capital gain is the sale price minus the original purchase price and any allowable costs such as transaction fees, legal costs, and capital improvements. If the result is negative, you have a capital loss, which may be used to offset other gains.

Do I pay capital gains tax on cryptocurrency?

Yes. The US, UK, Australia, and Canada all treat cryptocurrency as a capital asset. Every disposal — whether selling for cash, exchanging for another crypto, or using it to purchase goods — is a taxable event subject to capital gains tax rules.

Can I use capital losses to reduce my tax bill?

Yes, in all four countries capital losses can offset capital gains. In the US, up to $3,000 of excess losses can offset ordinary income annually with unused losses carried forward. In the UK and Australia, losses carry forward indefinitely. In Canada, losses carry back 3 years or forward indefinitely.

Is my main home subject to capital gains tax?

In most cases, no. The US, UK, Australia, and Canada all provide main residence exemptions. The US excludes up to $250,000 ($500,000 married) of gain on a primary residence. The UK provides Principal Private Residence relief. Australia has a main residence exemption. Canada offers the Principal Residence Exemption.

Tax Calculator

Capital Gains Tax Calculator

Estimate your capital gains tax liability for the US, UK, Australia, and Canada. Covers stocks, property, crypto, and other assets.

Enter Your Details

Country

Asset Type

Purchase Price (USD)

Sale Price (USD)

Other Costs / Expenses (fees, improvements, etc.)

Holding Period

Long-term (1 year or more) Short-term (under 1 year)

Income / Tax Band

How Capital Gains Tax Works

United States

Short-term gains (under 1 year) are taxed as ordinary income. Long-term gains qualify for preferential rates of 0%, 15%, or 20% based on taxable income. A 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax may also apply above certain thresholds.

United Kingdom

A £3,000 Annual Exempt Amount (2026/27) reduces your taxable gain. From 6 April 2026, basic-rate taxpayers pay 18% and higher/additional-rate taxpayers pay 24% on gains from most assets and residential property.

Australia

Australia has no separate CGT rate. Gains are added to your assessable income and taxed at your marginal rate. Assets held for more than 12 months qualify for a 50% CGT discount, effectively halving the taxable gain.

Canada

Canada includes 50% of capital gains in taxable income. The proposed two-thirds inclusion rate on gains above CA$250,000 was cancelled, so the one-half rate applies to all gains. The included amount is taxed at your marginal federal rate plus applicable provincial rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Select your country above to see relevant FAQs.

Related Calculators

💰

Take-Home Pay Calculator

Income tax & take-home pay, 4 countries

🏠

Refinance Calculator

See if refinancing saves you money

📈

Compound Interest

Project long-term investment growth

Data & sources

Capital gains rules used on this page. Rates are simplified estimates; US long-term rates (0/15/20%) depend on income and the calculator does not model state or provincial taxes.

UK · 2026/27 — Basic-rate CGT on all assets from 6 April 2026 (was 10% for non-property). GOV.UK ↗ (verified 2026-08-25)
UK · 2026/27 — Higher/additional-rate CGT on all assets from 6 April 2026. GOV.UK ↗ (verified 2026-08-25)
UK · 2026/27 — Annual Exempt Amount. GOV.UK ↗ (verified 2026-08-25)
UK · 2026/27 — Business Asset Disposal Relief: 18% from 6 April 2026 (was 10%, then 14% from 6 April 2025). Lifetime limit £1m. GOV.UK ↗ (verified 2026-08-25)
CA · 2026 — One-half inclusion rate. The 2024 proposal to raise the rate to two-thirds on annual gains above CA$250,000 was first deferred (Jan 2025) and then cancelled, as confirmed in the Government of Canada Spring Economic Update 2026; the one-half rate continues to apply. LCGE raised to $1.25m; Canadian Entrepreneurs' Incentive gives 1/3 inclusion on a lifetime $2m of eligible gains. Government of Canada — Spring Economic Update 2026 ↗ (verified 2026-08-25)

Figures are estimates for general information, not tax or financial advice. Rules change and individual circumstances vary — confirm with the official source or a qualified adviser before acting.