Introduction to capital gains tax

Working out your capital loss

If you haven't made a capital gain, you may have made a capital loss. You need to know your reduced cost base before you can establish whether you have made a capital loss.

Refer to What is the cost base? for information on how to work out your reduced cost base. You may find the Capital gain or capital loss worksheet helpful for working out a capital gain or capital loss and for comparing the results of using the discount and indexation methods to reduce your gain.

If your reduced cost base is greater than the capital proceeds you received (or are entitled to receive) for your asset - that is, you have sold an asset for less than what it cost you - you have usually made a capital loss. The difference between the two amounts is your capital loss.

Capital gains tax - home

Sections within Working out your capital gain/loss

• Working out your capital gain
• Working out your capital loss
• Working out your net capital gain/loss