Date of acquisition or disposal: At a glance

An at a glance freeview summary on how to determine the date of disposal, and the key areas where it is important.

For more details see our subscriber guide Date of disposal

When is the date of disposal for Capital Gains tax purposes? Why does it matter?

At a Glance

The date of disposal determines the tax point which affects:

Which tax year the disposal falls into.
The end or start date to determine whether the conditions of certain reliefs are met.
What the acquisition date is.

This guide looks at the relevant date for capital gains tax only.

What is the date of disposal?

General rule:

S28 TCGA 1992 provides that where an asset is disposed of and acquired under a contract:

The time at which the disposal and acquisition is made is the time the contract is made (and not, if different, the time at which the asset is conveyed or transferred).

Special rules:

Acquisition of a private residence, for Private residence relief purposes.
Where there is a disposal but no acquisition, which involves a capital sum derived from an asset. See Date of disposal
Where an asset has become of negligible value and a negligible value claim is made.
Where a contract is conditional.
- See Date of disposal for what the rules are for conditional contracts.
On Incorporation. See Incorporating an existing business.
On Liquidation or striking off. See Distributions & Striking Off.

Why does the date of disposal matter?

The date of disposal determines which tax year a disposal falls into which affects:

When the disposal must be declared.
When the tax is due for payment.
What annual exemption is available.
Whether is available.
For companies and disposals prior to 31 December 2017 what the indexation allowance is.

The date of disposal is also important for various reliefs such as:

Links to other useful guides:

Date of disposal
When is the date of disposal for Capital Gains tax purposes? When do special rules apply? Why does it matter?

How to calculate CGT
This is a guide to how to compute a capital gain (or loss) for individuals and trustees.