The CGT discount allows individuals (including partners in partnerships) and trusts to reduce their capital gain by 50%. There are further rules for beneficiaries who are entitled to a share of a trust capital gain. Companies can't use the CGT discount.
Note that the discount isn't limited to small business capital gains, but can also be applied to personal capital gains.
Capital gains and depreciating assets
You make a capital gain from a depreciating asset only to the extent you have used the depreciating asset for a non-taxable purpose (for example, for private purposes). Such a gain may be eligible for the CGT discount.
Are you eligible?
To be eligible for the CGT discount:
- the CGT event giving rise to the capital gain must have happened after 11.45am on 21 September 1999, and
- you must have owned the asset involved for at least 12 months.
Certain CGT events, such as where new assets are created, don't qualify for the CGT discount because the 12-month rule wouldn't be satisfied.
If you are eligible for the CGT discount, reduce the capital gain by 50%.
Example: CGT discount
After offsetting her $3,000 capital losses against her $17,000 capital gain, Lana is left with a capital gain of $14,000. As she is eligible for the CGT discount, she can reduce the remaining capital gain by 50%, as follows:
$14,000 − (50% × $14,000) = $7,000
Lana may be able to reduce her capital gain further using one or more of the other small business CGT concessions.
End of exampleMore information
- Guide to capital gains tax 2005–06 (NAT 4151)
- Capital gains tax: CGT discount – questions and answers (NAT 5456)