Australian CGT Calculator
Calculate CGT on shares, property, or crypto. 50% discount applied for assets held 12+ months. Free, privacy-first — inputs never leave your browser.
Details
Result
CGT Payable
A$2,250
Gross Gain
A$15,000
Discount Applied
50% (12+ mo)
Discounted Gain
A$7,500
After-Tax Gain
A$12,750
For estimation only. Not professional financial, tax, or legal advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making decisions. Full disclaimer.
How Australia taxes capital gains
Unlike the US or UK, Australia does not have separate CGT rates. Capital gains are added to your taxable income and taxed at your marginal rate. The key advantage: a 50% discount on gains from assets held 12+ months (for individuals and super funds, but not companies).
Example
Buy shares for $20,000, sell 2 years later for $35,000. Gain = $15,000. 50% discount = $7,500 added to taxable income. At 30% marginal rate = $2,250 tax (effectively 15% of the gain).
Main residence exemption
Your principal residence is exempt from CGT while it\'s your home. Moving out and renting it temporarily? The 6-year absence rule may still keep it exempt — consult an accountant before selling.
Common questions about Capital Gains
How does the 50% CGT discount work?+
Australian residents who hold an asset for 12+ months get a 50% discount on the capital gain before adding it to taxable income. Example: $50k gain → $25k added to taxable income at your marginal rate.
Is the primary residence CGT-exempt?+
Yes — the main residence exemption applies to your principal place of residence while it's your home. Partial exemption applies if you've rented it out or absent for extended periods.
How is crypto capital gains taxed in Australia?+
Crypto is a CGT asset — not a currency for tax purposes. Every disposal (sale, swap, gift, purchase with crypto) is a CGT event. Held 12+ months: 50% CGT discount applies. Held under 12 months: full gain added to income at marginal rate (up to 45% + 2% Medicare). Staking rewards and airdrops are ordinary income at fair market value on receipt, then subject to CGT on later sale. Maintain comprehensive records — ATO has data-sharing with exchanges.
Can I offset capital losses against gains?+
Yes. Capital losses offset capital gains in the same year (apply to undiscounted gains first for maximum benefit). Net remaining losses carry forward indefinitely to offset future gains. Losses cannot offset ordinary income (salary, interest). Strategic loss harvesting in June can reduce CGT liability for the financial year — sell losing positions, repurchase after 30 days (the "wash sale" ATO guidance). Record every lot and date meticulously.
What is Division 293 tax?+
An extra 15% tax on concessional super contributions for individuals with combined income + super contributions above $250,000 (FY 2026-27 threshold). Applied on the amount above the threshold OR total concessional contributions — whichever is less. Effectively, high earners pay 30% (15% inside super + 15% Division 293) on concessional contributions vs 15% for others. Still beats 47% marginal rate — super remains tax-advantaged, just less so above $250k.
Do foreign investments attract Australian CGT?+
Yes — Australian residents are taxed on worldwide capital gains. Foreign assets (US shares, NZ property, etc.) held 12+ months get the 50% CGT discount. Foreign tax paid can be claimed as a Foreign Income Tax Offset (FITO) to avoid double taxation. Exchange rates apply at acquisition and disposal — FX movements form part of the gain/loss. Temporary residents (subclass 417, 462 visa holders) generally exempt on foreign-sourced gains.