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Capital Gains Tax - What is Capital Gains Tax, Types, & Tax saving

Updated on: 15 Mar, 2024 02:51 PM

You've just made a savvy investment in the stock market, watched your portfolio grow, and decided to cash in on your success by selling some of your stocks. But before you celebrate your financial triumph, there's one thing you can't overlook: capital gains tax.

Capital Gain Tax is the tax imposed by the Indian Government on the profit earned from the sale of certain assets, such as stocks, bonds, real estate, or other investments. This tax applies to both individuals and businesses.

In this guide, we have covered important aspects related to capital gains, capital assets, their calculation, the Cost Inflation Index (CII), capital gain taxes in India, and much more in a very lucid and comprehensive manner.

What is a Capital Gain Tax in India?

Capital gain is the profit you make when you sell off a capital asset. You profit when you sell a capital asset at a higher price than the cost at which you acquired it. This profit is called Capital Gain, which is your income. This income is chargeable to tax, and the tax calculated on capital gains is called the tax on capital gains or capital gain tax.

To understand capital gains, you need to understand the concept of capital assets.


What are Capital Assets?

Capital assets are the property you own and can be transferred, like land, buildings, shares, patents, trademarks, jewelry, leasehold rights, machinery, vehicles, etc.
Here is a list of assets that do not fall under the category of capital assets:–

  • The stock of consumables or raw materials held for use in business or profession.
  • Personal belongings meant for personal use like clothes, furniture, etc.
  • A piece of agricultural land is located in a rural area.
  • Special bearer bonds, 6.5% gold bonds (1977), 7% gold bonds (1980), or national defense gold bonds (1980) which the Central Government has issued.
  • Gold deposit bond (1999), issued under the gold deposit scheme or deposit certificate issued under Gold Monetisation Scheme, 2015, notified by the Central Government.

What are the different types of Capital Assets?

Capital assets are divided into two types based on the period after which they are sold. The types of capital assets are as follows –

types of capital assets

Short-term capital assets

Short-term capital assets are those held for less than or equal to 36 months. This means that if you sell off the asset within 36 months of buying it, it would be called a short-term capital asset. However, in some cases, the holding period is reduced to 24 months and 12 months. These cases include the following –

  • If the asset is an immovable property like land, building, or house, then the holding period would be considered 24 months. This means that if you sell off an immovable property within 24 months of buying it, it would be called a short-term capital asset.
  • Similarly, equity shares of a company listed on the Recognized stock exchange, securities listed on the Recognized stock exchange, UTI units, Equity oriented mutual fund units, and zero-coupon bonds have a holding period of 12 months. If these assets are sold off before 12 months of purchase, they would be called short-term capital assets.

Long-term capital assets

Long-term capital assets are those held for more than 36 months and then sold off. Immovable property sold after 24 months would be categorized as a long-term capital asset. In the case of equity shares, securities, mutual fund units, etc., however, the holding period of 12 months is applicable. If sold off after 12 months, they would be called long-term capital assets.


What are the different types of Capital Gain?

Now that you have understood what capital assets are and their types, it’s time to understand the types of capital gains. Capital gains are divided into short-term capital gains and long-term capital gains –

types of capital assets

Short-Term Capital Gain

Short-term capital gains (STCG) are the profits you earn when you sell off your capital assets within one year of holding them. Note that the holding period varies as per the capital asset.

  • When the security transaction tax is applicable: Short-term capital gain tax is 15%
  • When a security transaction tax is not applicable Short term capital gain tax will be calculated based on the income of the Taxpayers and will be automatically added to the ITR of the taxpayer and charged at normal slab rates.

Long-Term Capital Gain

Long-term capital gains (LTCG) are the profits you earn when you sell off your capital assets after one year. Note that the period of holding for different assets to be claimed as long-term assets varies according to the asset.

  • Long Term capital gain tax, is applicable at 20% except on the sale of equity shares and the units of equity-oriented funds.
  • Long Term capital gains are 10% over and above Rs 1 lakhs on the sales of Equity shares and units of equity-oriented funds.

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How to calculate capital gains tax?

Calculating capital gains depends on the type of capital gain you are earning. Short-term capital gains are calculated differently than long-term ones. However, before calculating the different types of capital gains, you should understand the concept of the full value of consideration, as it forms the basis of capital gains calculation.

Full value Consideration

The full value of the consideration is, in simple terms, the money that you would receive when you transfer your capital asset. In technical terms, full value consideration is the consideration that the seller has received or would receive in exchange for transferring his capital asset.
Besides full value consideration, there are two other important terms:

  • Cost of Acquisition and
  • Cost of improvement.

Cost of Acquisition: Cost of acquisition is the asset's cost price. It is the price at which you bought the capital asset.

Cost of Improvement: Cost of improvement is the money spent on the capital asset to improve it. The cost of the improvement is added to the cost of acquisition to compute capital gains. However, if the improvement cost is incurred before 1st April 2001, it will not be added to the acquisition cost.


How to calculate different types of capital gains?

Short-term capital gains Calculations

Full value of consideration xxxxx
Less: expenses incurred on transferring the asset (xxxx)
Less: cost of acquisition (xxxx)
Less: cost of the improvement (xxxx)
Short term capital gains xxxxx

Let’s understand it with an example. A house property was bought on 1st January 2021 for INR 50 lakhs. On 1st January 2022, INR 5 lakhs were spent on improving the house. On 1st November 2022, the house was sold for INR 65 lakhs.

Since the house was sold after 22 months of buying it, it would be categorized as a short-term capital asset. The gain from selling the house would be called a short-term capital gain, and it would be calculated as follows –

The full value of consideration INR 65 lakhs
Less: cost of acquisition INR 50 lakhs
Less: cost of improvement INR 5 lakhs
Short term capital gains INR 10 lakhs

Long Term Capital Gain Calculations

Full value of consideration xxxxx
Less: expenses incurred in transferring the asset (xxxx)
Less: indexed cost of acquisition (xxxx)
Less: indexed cost of the improvement (xxxx)
Less: expenses allowed to be deducted from the full value of the consideration (xxxx)
Less: exemptions available under Sections 54, 54EC, 54B and 54F, etc. (xxxx)
Long term capital gains xxxxx

Important Terminology under Capital Gain Tax

In the calculation of long term capital gains, there are three different concepts that you should understand

  • Indexed cost of acquisition,
  • Indexed cost of improvement and
  • Expenses deducted from the full value of consideration

Indexation of cost

Indexation of costs is done to factor the inflation over the years when you hold the capital asset. Since inflation decreases the value of money, indexation of the acquisition and improvement costs increases the amount of these costs, thereby lowering the capital gain earned. To calculate indexation, Cost Inflation Index (CII) accounts for the inflation incurred over the holding period. To calculate the indexed costs, the following formula is used –

calculate the indexed costs

The base year for CII has changed from 1981 to 2001. That is why, when calculating the indexed cost of acquisition, CII of 2001-02 is considered if the asset was purchased before the financial year 2001-02.

With the shift in the base year, the CII numbers have also changed. The CII for different years, as determined by the Central Government, are as follows –

Financial year Cost Inflation Index (CII)
2001-02 100
2002-03 105
2003-04 109
2004-05 113
2005-06 117
2006-07 122
2007-08 129
2008-09 137
2009-10 148
2010-11 167
2011-12 184
2012-13 200
2013-14 220
2014-15 240
2015-16 254
2016-17 264
2017-18 272
2018-19 280
2019-20 289
2020-2021 301
2021-2022 317
2022-2023 331
2023 - 2024 348

Expenses allowed to be deducted from the full value of consideration

These are the expenses that were necessary to be incurred when selling the asset. Without these expenses, the asset would not have been purchased. These expenses, since mandatory, are allowed to be deducted from the full value of the consideration, which lowers the selling price / increases the cost of acquisition, and also decreases the capital gain. The expenses allowed to be deducted include the following –

Asset is a house property For shares For jewellery
. Stamp paper cost
. Brokerage or commission paid to a broker for arranging a buyer
. Traveling expenses incurred for the sale of the asset
. Expenses incurred in obtaining succession certificates, paying the executor of the Will, and other legal procedures if the property is acquired through a Will or inheritance
Commission paid to the broker for selling the shares. Commission paid to the broker for arranging a buyer for the jewelry

Examples of Capital Gain

A house property was purchased on 1st January 2000 for INR 20 lakhs. On 1st January 2005, repairs were done on the house, which amounted to INR 5 lakhs. On 1st January 2023, the house was sold for INR 75 lakhs. A brokerage was paid to the broker, which was INR 1 lakh. What would be the capital gain amount?

Solution:

Since the asset has been held for more than 36 months, it is a long-term capital asset, and the gain is a long-term capital gain. The gain would be calculated as follows –

Particulars Calculation Amount
The full value of consideration - INR 75,00,000
Less: indexed cost of acquisition Cost of acquisition * CII of the year in which the asset is sold / CII of the year in which the asset was acquired = 20 lakhs * (CII of 2022-23 / CII of 2001-02 since it is the base year)= 20 lakhs * (331/100) INR 66,20,000
Less: indexed cost of improvement Cost of improvement * CII of the year in which the asset is sold / CII of the year in which the asset was improved = 5 lakhs * (CII of 2022-23 / CII of 2004-05)= 5 lakhs * (272/113) INR 14,64,602
Less: brokerage paid - INR 1,00,000
Long term capital gain or Long term capital Loss - INR -6,84,602

Capital Gains Tax Rates

Long Term Capital Gains Tax Rate:

  • Sale of equity shares: 10% of the amount exceeding Rs. 1 lakh.
  • For all other assets: 20%.

Short Term Capital Gains Tax Rate:

  • When the transaction involves securities: 15%.
  • When the transaction doesn't involve securities: The gain is added to the individual's income tax returns and taxed according to the applicable income tax slab.
Type of Investment Holding Period for Long Term Capital Asset Long Term Capital Gain Tax (LTCG) Short Term Capital Gain Tax (STCG) Remarks
Stocks > 1 year 10% of gain 15% of gain LTCG applicable if total exceeds Rs. 1 Lakh in a financial year.
Unit Linked Insurance Plan (ULIPs) > 5 years 10% of gain 15% of gain LTCG applicable if total exceeds Rs. 1 Lakh in a financial year.
Equity Oriented Mutual Funds > 1 year 10% of gain 15% of gain LTCG applicable if total exceeds Rs. 1 Lakh in a financial year.
Other Mutual Funds > 3 years 20% with inflation indexation Taxed based on income tax slab
Government and Corporate Bonds > 3 years 20% with inflation indexation Taxed based on income tax slab
Gold > 3 years 20% with inflation indexation Taxed based on income tax slab
Gold ETF > 1 year 10% of gain Taxed based on income tax slab LTCG applicable if total exceeds Rs. 1 Lakh in a financial year.
Immovable Property > 2 years 20% with inflation indexation Taxed based on income tax slab
Movable Property > 3 years 20% with inflation indexation Taxed based on income tax slab No tax for LTCG reinvested in approved assets.
Privately held Stocks > 2 years 20% with inflation indexation Taxed based on income tax slab

Note: Taxes mentioned do not include any surcharge levied on income tax.


Capital Gain Tax in India

Now that you have understood the calculation of short-term and long-term capital gains, it’s time to understand capital gain tax in India.

Just like gains are short-term and long-term, capital gain tax in India is divided into short-term and long-term capital gain tax. Let’s see the capital gain tax rate for these respective taxes –

Short-term capital gains tax (STCG tax)

Short-term capital gains are taxed at your income tax slab rate if Securities Transaction Tax (STT) is not applicable to the gains. In such cases, the gains are added to your taxable income and then taxed at the slab rate under which your income qualifies. If, however, in the case of equity shares, STT is applicable, short-term capital gains are taxed at 15%.

Long-term capital gains tax (LTCG Tax)

Long-term capital gains are taxed at a flat rate of 20% Though STCG and LTCG are taxed at the above-mentioned rates, in the case of equity and debt-related investments, the tax rates and rules are different. Here is how equity and debt fund investments are taxed –

Type of fund STCG Tax LTCG Tax
Equity funds (which have 65% or more investments in equity) 15% 10% if the gain is more than INR 1 lakh in a financial year
Debt funds (which have 65% or more investments in debt) At the income tax slab rate 20% with the benefit of indexation

Surcharge on long-term capital assets

The maximum rate of surcharge on the long-term capital gains of listed equity shares, units, etc., is 15%. The surcharge for other long-term capital assets is capped at 37%.

The 2022 budget proposed to bring down the surcharge rate for other long-term capital assets by 15% to bring parity in all such assets.

With the Interim Budget 2019 announced on 1 Feb 2019, the tax benefits on capital gains have been widened. Extending the benefits, the interim finance minister Mr. Piyush Goyal pronounced that the capital gains to the extent of Rs 2 Crore can now be invested in up to two residential house properties. This is to be done in lieu of the existing investment provision required in one residential house property. But this option can be availed only once in the investor's lifetime.

The amount invested in these two house properties shall not attract any long-term capital gains tax.

The long-term capital gain is presently required to be invested either in purchasing a residential house property in the next two years or constructing a house in the next 3 years, or investing in bonds u/s 54EC within 6 months to make the capital gains tax-free. But, from the financial year 2019-20 (the assessment year 2020-2021), the taxpayer would be made eligible to adopt this new system to invest in two residential houses once in a lifetime for an aggregate benefit of Rs 2 crore.


Exemption on Capital Gain

Because capital gains tax tends to erode a significant portion of earnings, it becomes critical for individuals to utilize tax-saving strategies to help them reduce their tax liability. To assist individuals in minimizing their capital gains tax liability, the government provides a list of exemptions under capital gains. These tax exemptions are known as capital gains exemptions.


Exemption Under Section 54: Sale of House Property on Purchase of Another House Property

The exemption on two house properties shall be available once in a lifetime to a taxpayer, provided the capital gains do not exceed Rs. 2 crores. The taxpayer is only required to invest the number of capital gains, not the complete sale proceeds. The exemption will be limited to the total capital gain on sale if the purchase price of the new property is higher than the number of capital gains.

The following conditions must be met to enjoy the benefit:

  • The new property can be purchased either one year before or two years after the previous property has been sold.
  • Gains can also be invested in property construction, but construction must be completed within three years of the sale date.
  • In the 2014-15 Budget, it was made clear that only one house property could be purchased or built with capital gains to qualify for this exemption.
  • Please remember that this exemption can be revoked if the new property is sold within three years of its purchase or completion of construction.

Exemption Under 54B: Transfer of Land Used for Agricultural Purposes

An exemption is available under Section 54B when you make short-term or long-term capital gains from the transfer of land used for agricultural purposes – by an individual, the individual's parents, or a Hindu Undivided Family (HUF) – for two years before the sale. The exempt amount is the lesser of the investment in a new asset or the capital gain. You must reinvest in new agricultural land within two years of the transfer date.

  • The new agricultural land purchased to claim capital gains exemption should not be sold within three years of its purchase date.
  • If you cannot purchase agricultural land before the due date for filing your income tax return, the number of capital gains must be deposited in any branch (except rural branches) of a public sector bank or IDBI Bank before the due date.
  • Exemptions can be claimed for the amount deposited. If the amount deposited under the Capital Gains Account Scheme was not used to purchase agricultural land, it should be treated as capital gains of the year in which the period of two years from the date of sale of land elapsed.

Exemption Under Sections 54 E, 54EA, and 54EB – Profits from investments in certain securities

This capital gains exemption applies to capital gains derived from the transfer of long-term capital assets. Individuals can take advantage of such long-term capital gain exemptions if they reinvest in securities such as targeted debentures, UTI units, government securities, government bonds, etc.

The following conditions must be met–

  • Individuals must reinvest in such new securities within six months of the transfer of capital assets.
  • If the individual plans to sell the new securities before 3 years or 36 months, the previously offered exemption would be deducted from the total cost to determine the capital gains.

It is important to note that any loan availed against these securities before 3 years would be treated as a capital gain.

Exemption Under Section 54EC – Profits from the sale of a long-term capital asset are exempt from tax if reinvested in specific long-term assets.

Long-term capital gains on the sale of long-term assets would be qualified for long-term capital gain exemption. Individuals will be eligible for such exemptions if they reinvest their proceeds in assets of either the Rural Electrification Corporation or the NHAI.

Such capital exemptions are available if and only if the following conditions are met:

  • Individuals reinvest the proceeds into specified assets within six months of the asset's sale.
  • Capital gains should not exceed the amount invested. If only a portion of the gains were reinvested, the capital gain exemption would apply only to the reinvested amount.
  • Specific assets must be held for a minimum of 36 months.

Exemption Under Section 54EE – Profits from a transfer of investments.

Capital gains derived from the transfer of long-term capital assets would be eligible for a capital gain exemption if –

  • Individuals should reinvest their proceeds within six months of receiving them.
  • If individuals sell their new securities before 36 months, the previously offered exemption is subtracted from the cost to calculate capital gains.
  • If a loan is taken out against new securities before 36 months, the capital gains are taxed.
  • In the current and following fiscal years, such investments should not exceed Rs. 50 lakh.

Exemption Under Section 54F: Capital gains on the sale of any asset other than a home.

Exemption under Section 54F is available when capital gains are realized from the sale of a long-term asset other than a home. To qualify for this exemption, you must invest the entire sale consideration, not just the capital gain, in purchasing a new residential house property. Purchase the new property either one year before or two years after the previous one. You can also use the profits to fund the construction of a home. The construction, however, must be completed within three years of the date of sale.

In Budget 2014-15, it was stated that only one house property could be purchased or built from the sale consideration to claim this exemption. This exemption can be revoked if the new property is sold within three years of purchase. If you meet the conditions mentioned and invest the sale proceeds in the new house, the entire capital gain will be tax-free.

However, if you invest a portion of the sale proceeds, the capital gains exemption will be calculated as follows: capital gains x cost of new house /net consideration = capital gains x cost of new house /net consideration.

Under Capital Gains, any profit that is made from a capital asset transfer during the year is taxable. Let us help you navigate the complexities of capital gains taxation and optimize your returns. Hire a tax expert and file your taxes.



Frequently Asked Questions

Q- What DDT means?

DDT stands for Dividend Distribution Tax which was required to be paid by the companies on the dividends they issue. As per the Budget 2020 speech, no Dividend Distribution Tax (DDT) shall be paid by the Companies from FY 2020-21.


Q- What is the DDT full form in tax?

DDT means the Dividend Distribution Tax.


Q- Do I have to pay capital gains tax if my total income is less than 2.5 Lakh?

If the total income of the assessee including capital gains, is below the basic exemption limit, then no tax is levied.


Q- What are the best ways to avoid capital gain tax?

There are various ways to avoid capital gains tax by investing the amount of gain in the investment schemes of the government and other methods specified by CBDT


Q- Is advance tax paid on Capital Gain & Casual Income? If yes, then how would the amount be calculated?

Advance tax should be paid on capital gain income and casual incomes. The amount is calculated by adding the capital gain with the total income, and tax is calculated.


Q- What is the capital gains tax rate for listed, and unlisted bonds, and debentures in India for FY 22-23 (AY 23-24)?

If the capital gains are short-term, then the rate for both listed and unlisted bonds and debentures are as per slab rates, and if gains are long-term, then the rate for listed bonds is 10% and for unlisted 20%


Q- Why does selling machinery attract short-term capital gains tax and not a long-term capital gain tax?

Capital assets on which depreciation is charged are sold to attract short-term capital gain. The cost of acquisition is taken in this case as the WDV of the assets.


Q- Do I have to pay short-term capital gains tax if I am in the 5% ordinary income tax bracket?

Short-term capital gains are taxed at the slab rates of the assessee. So assessees must pay the tax on short-term capital gain at its tax brackets.


Q- Are profits generated by high-frequency trading algorithms taxed as capital gain or income?

It depends on the nature of the business of the assessee. If the trading of shares is the assessee's business, then it will be taxed under business income otherwise under capital gain.


Q- Can you avoid capital gains taxes if you move to another country?

No, it cannot be avoided. The tax on capital gain must be paid irrespective of the person's residential status.


Q- Are cryptocurrency capital gains taxable in India?

Yes, cryptocurrency gains are considered income under "Business Income" in India. You'll pay a flat 30% tax on any net cryptocurrency gains (total sales proceeds minus cost basis and expenses).


Q- Do I need to report cryptocurrency transactions on my tax return in India?

Yes, you must report all cryptocurrency transactions, including gains, losses, and exchange activity, on your tax return.


Q- Do I need to pay capital gains tax on inherited assets in India?

In India, you don't pay capital gains tax on inherited assets if you sell them immediately. Your cost basis for the asset becomes the fair market value at the time of inheritance, eliminating any initial capital gain (or loss).


Q- What if I hold onto an inherited asset for some time before selling it in India?

If you hold onto the asset beyond a year, the cost basis becomes the fair market value at the time of inheritance plus any indexation benefits to account for inflation. You'll pay capital gains tax on any increase in value after adjusting for indexation.


Q- Are capital gains on ESOPs taxable in India?

The tax treatment of ESOPs in India depends on how they are exercised and sold. You may pay ordinary income tax at the applicable slab rate on the difference between the exercise price and the fair market value at the time of exercise. Any further appreciation when you sell the shares is taxed as long-term capital gains at 10% (exceeding Rs. 1 lakh) or 20%.


CA Abhishek Soni
CA Abhishek Soni

Abhishek Soni is a Chartered Accountant by profession & entrepreneur by passion. He is the co-founder & CEO of Tax2Win.in. Tax2win is amongst the top 25 emerging startups of Asia and authorized ERI by the Income Tax Department. In the past, he worked in EY and comes with wide industry experience from telecom, retail to manufacturing to entertainment where he has handled various national and international assignments.