Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I find the incidence of capital gains taxes on residential property in any one country?
2. How can I compare capital gains tax rates across countries?
3. What are the Guide′s CGT data sources?
4. What assumptions does the Guide make, when calculating CGT?

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How do I find the incidence of capital gains taxes on residential property in any one country?

We present capital gains tax data in two forms:

1. The ‘typical case’ capital gains tax payment. This number is visible in the Country Overview, on the top right, in the data panel. See also capital gains tax assumptions.
2. An ‘in depth’ description of the capital gains tax rules. This is on the Country ‘Taxes and Costs’ page.

To read the ‘in depth’ discussion of capital gains taxes:

Use the menu to navigate to the Taxes and Costs section of the country you are interested.

How can I compare capital gains tax rates across countries?

Navigate to a country or continent and select Capital Gains Tax from the Regional Stats menu.

What are the Guide's CGT data sources?

Our capital gains tax figures are based on our own computations, based on publicly-available data.

What assumptions does the Guide make, when calculating CGT?

In arriving at our effective capital gains tax numbers, we make the following assumptions:

• The property is directly and jointly owned by husband and wife;
• They have owned it for 10 years;
• It is their only source of capital gains in the country
• It has appreciated in value by 100% over the 10 years to sale
• The property was worth US$250,000 or €250,000 at purchase.
• It is not their sole or principal residence.

These assumptions are critical. In many countries a holding period of less than 5 years results in capital gains being taxable. But a longer holding period often results in no capital gains tax being payable.

Note: We do not count taxes as capital gains taxes, if they are actually merely transaction taxes. For instance, the Philippines imposes a 6% ’Capital Gains Tax’ on the total purchase price or zonal value, whichever is higher. Despite its name, this is not really a tax on the gain, but a tax on the transaction value. Conversely in some countries there are some taxes which are really Capital Gains Taxes, but are not called by that name. Obviously, these are included in our computation.