As part of the Chancellor Rishi Sunak's 2021 Budget announcement, a number of significant changes were announced across several areas, including business and personal taxes. But what about Capital Taxes?
This guide will tell you everything you need to know about the Capital Tax implications of the 2021 Budget.
Capital gains tax (CGT) rates
No changes to the current rates of CGT have been announced at Budget 2021. This means that the rate remains at 10%, to the extent that any income tax basic rate band is available, and 20% thereafter. Higher rates of 18% and 28% apply for certain gains; mainly chargeable gains on residential properties with the exception of any element that qualifies for Private Residence Relief.
There are two specific types of disposal which potentially qualify for a 10% rate up to a lifetime limit for each individual:
- Business Asset Disposal Relief (BADR) (formerly known as Entrepreneurs' Relief). This is targeted at directors and employees of companies who own at least 5% of the ordinary share capital in the company, provided other minimum criteria are also met, and the owners of unincorporated businesses.
- Investors' Relief. The main beneficiaries of this relief are external investors in unquoted trading companies who have newly-subscribed shares.
The lifetime limit for BADR was reduced from £10 million to £1 million for BADR qualifying disposals made on or after 11 March 2020. Investors' Relief continues to have a lifetime limit of £10 million.
CGT annual exemption
The CGT annual exemption will be maintained at the current 2020/21 level of £12,300 for 2021/22 and up to and including 2025/26.
Inheritance tax (IHT) nil rate bands
The nil rate band has been frozen at £325,000 since 2009 and this will now continue up to 5 April 2026.
An additional nil rate band, called the 'residence nil rate band' (RNRB) which has been increased in stages and is now £175,000 for deaths in 2020/21 will also be frozen at the current level until 5 April 2026.
A taper reduces the amount of the RNRB by £1 for every £2 that the 'net' value of the death estate is more than £2 million. Net value is after deducting permitted liabilities but before exemptions and reliefs. This taper will also be maintained at the current level.
Business assets and Gift Hold-Over Relief
Gift Hold-Over Relief operates by deferring the chargeable gain on the disposal when a person gives away business assets. The gain then comes into charge when the recipient disposes of the gifted asset. The recipient is treated as though they acquired the asset for the same cost as the person who gave them the asset.
A change to the relief ensures that Gift Hold-Over Relief is not available where a non-UK resident person disposes of an asset to a foreign-controlled company, controlled either by themselves or another non-UK resident with whom they are connected. This measure will affect disposals made on or after 6 April 2021.
Speak to us today for advice on Capital Taxes
The tax team at Shorts is always on hand to offer qualified, insightful advice that is tailored to you and your personal circumstances. If you would like to find out exactly how the 2021 Budget will impact your Capital Taxes, or any other taxes you are eligible to pay, get in touch with our team.
Read more about the 2021 Budget
Shorts is dedicated to bringing you the most relevant budget analysis with detail and clarity. For more information on each of the key areas of the 2021 Budget, you can explore our other blogs below.
Scott Burkinshaw
Scott is Tax Partner at Shorts, specialising in providing strategic corporate and personal tax advice.
View my articlesTags: Budget 2021
