Current CGT regime 'fit for purpose', says ICAEW

The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) has stated that there is 'no need' to overhaul the current capital gains tax (CGT) regime.

13 Nov 2020

The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) has stated that there is 'no need' to overhaul the current capital gains tax (CGT) regime.

In its response to a review of CGT carried out by the Office of Tax Simplification (OTS), the ICAEW concluded that 'the scope and boundary of CGT is generally clear', and that the tax 'largely achieves' its policy aim of discouraging schemes that attempt to convert income into a capital gain for tax purposes.

The Institute stated that some administrative and legislative improvements are possible. However, it also believes that alterations to the tax are unlikely to raise significant revenue without a major structural change to reliefs.

In regard to the different rates of CGT in use, the ICAEW found that the structure of rates is important for the tax as individuals will often be able to choose when to make disposals.

The ICAEW said: 'The current rates are intended to reflect the fact that following the removal of indexation and taper relief for individuals, the calculation of gains does not take into account the length of time an asset has been held or inflation; this is the policy basis for CGT rates being lower than the income tax rate.

'The extent to which CGT should be payable on gains arising from inflation and how it should be mitigated is a policy matter for government and parliament to determine.'

Quick Links

Home | Contact us | Accessibility | Disclaimer | Help | Site map |

© 2024 Blue Spire Limited (Brighton). All rights reserved.

We use cookies on this website, you can find more information about cookies here.

Blue Spire Limited (Brighton) are Accountants in Brighton.

Contact Brighton Office

Tel: +44 (0)1273 739533
Fax: +44 (0)1273 732844
Email: brighton@bluespiregroup.com


Contact Chichester Office

Tel: +44 (0)1243 781234
Fax: +44 (0)1243 791770
Email: chichester@bluespiregroup.com

Brighton Address
5th Floor Intergen House, 65-67 Western Road, Hove, East Sussex BN3 2JQ

Chichester Address
Cawley Priory, South Pallant, Chichester, West Sussex PO19 1SY

Blue Spire Limited is Registered to carry out audit work in the UK and Ireland and regulated for a range of investment business activities by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales C004152645. Professional indemnity insurance is provided by Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Plc 9th Floor, One Plantation Place, 30 Fenchurch Street, London, EC3M 3BD and its territorial coverage is worldwide (excluding United States/Canada).
Blue Spire Financial Planning Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. FSA register https://www.fca.org.uk/register reference 566257. This guidance and/or advice contained within this website is subject to the UK regulatory regime, and is therefore targeted at customers based in the UK