Understanding Capital Gains Tax: Your 2025 Guide
As we move towards the end of 2025, it is sensible to take stock of any disposals you have made during the year and consider your Capital Gains Tax position. CGT arises when a profit is made on the disposal of certain assets, including shares, cryptocurrencies, investment properties, land, and other chargeable assets. Each year we see people caught out by the timing of payments or by overlooking a transaction that has created a liability. Reviewing matters early helps ensure everything is accounted for correctly and that payments are made within Revenue’s required timeframes.
CGT can apply whether the disposal was planned or part of a wider reorganisation, and the gain does not need to be significant for a liability to arise. Even smaller disposals can trigger a payment if they exceed the annual exemption, so it is always worthwhile checking your position in full.
Key CGT Deadlines
There are two main payment dates each year:
15 December 2025
This deadline applies to disposals made between 1 January 2025 and 30 November 2025. It covers the majority of transactions made during the year. Meeting this deadline avoids interest and ensures your position is fully up to date before the year-end period.
31 January 2026
This applies to disposals made between 1 December 2025 and 31 December 2025. As this falls shortly after the Christmas period, it is one that is often missed. Interest applies from the day after the deadline, so even short delays can carry a cost.
It is important to note that CGT payment deadlines operate independently of the Income Tax return deadlines. Even if your full tax return for 2025 is not due until later in 2026, CGT must still be paid by the dates above.
The Cost of Missing a Deadline
Interest on late CGT payments is charged on a daily basis. It is not punitive in approach, but it adds up quickly, particularly where larger gains are involved. For example, a CGT liability of €5,000 left unpaid for several months can result in a noticeable additional charge, reducing the benefit of the gain achieved in the first place.
In some cases, delays arise simply because people are unsure whether a disposal is taxable or because historic cost information is difficult to find. The earlier you review your position, the more time you have to gather records, confirm figures, and address any unexpected outcomes before interest begins to accumulate.
How We Can Support You
CGT can range from straightforward to complex depending on the nature of the assets, the date they were acquired, and whether reliefs apply. Our work typically includes:
Reviewing your disposals for the year
We examine all assets sold or transferred during the period to ensure gains, losses, and allowable expenses are identified. This includes checking purchase dates, enhancement costs, and any qualifying transaction evidence.
Calculating your CGT liability accurately
We apply the correct rate of CGT, take the annual exemption into account, and assess whether reliefs such as Retirement Relief, Revised Entrepreneur Relief, Loss Relief, or Transfer exemptions may apply. The correct application of reliefs can significantly reduce or eliminate a liability where conditions are met.
Preparing and filing the relevant tax returns
We complete the required forms and ensure the details submitted to Revenue are consistent, accurate, and supported by the necessary documentation. This avoids follow-up queries or delays later in the process.
Providing guidance on timing and planning
Where you are considering making a disposal before year end, we can discuss the potential impact on your 2025 liability and identify any options to manage or reduce the tax due in a compliant manner. This may include making use of losses, reviewing the timing of disposals, or checking whether planned transactions fall within relief criteria.
Our approach is always to give you clarity on your position, avoid unnecessary surprises, and ensure all obligations are met in the correct timeframe.
Next Steps
If you have made a disposal during 2025, or if you are planning one before the year closes, now is the right moment to review the details. Early preparation helps avoid last-minute issues and ensures any tax due can be paid by the appropriate deadline.
If you would like assistance with confirming your CGT liability, gathering the required documentation, understanding the available reliefs, or preparing the necessary submissions, please get in touch. We can review your circumstances, outline what is required, and ensure everything is completed in line with Revenue requirements.