Capital gains tax (CGT) is proving a decent cash machine for the taxman. HMRC data showed capital gains tax (CGT) receipts totalled £24.3bn in 2025-26, up 77% compared to the previous tax year. When compared with a decade ago, the reality is even starker, with the figure up by 244%.

With proactive planning you can lower a CGT bill on your investments. CGT may be payable when selling an investment, but also when gifting an investment to anyone other than a spouse or civil partner.

But when it comes to selling your investments, with proper financial planning and use of your annual tax-free allowances, you can often sidestep an unwanted tax bill, meaning you keep more of investment returns.