THOUGHT OF THE WEEK This is excluded from your CGT liability

Many South Africans are cautions of Capital Gains Tax (CGT) because, essentially, it creates a tax liability when you make a profit on the sale of an asset. It is therefore good news that the capital gains (or losses) made on the disposal of certain assets are excludes from CGT.

Some of the important exclusions are:

1. Personal-use assets , such as motor vehicle , caravan ,artwork , stamp collection, furniture, household appliances and other assets used mainly for non-trade purposes;

2. Personal-use boats smaller than 10m in length;

3. Lump sum payments from pension ,pension preservation, provident preservation and retirement annuity funds;

4. Proceeds from an endowment policy or life insurance policy (with minor exceptions);

5. Compensation for personal injury or illness.

Importantly, on the sale of a South African resident’s primary residence, the first R2million of the profit is also excluded. Other expenses incurred in respect of the home may also be subtracted from the amount of the profit, thereby decreasing the amount of CGT payable.

Speak to one of our conveyancers for advice before entering into an agreement to sell your home.