Capital Gains Tax (CGT) receipts increased by 17.6 per cent in July compared with the same month in 2025, underscoring the importance of understanding the tax consequences of selling valuable assets.
Some Pokémon cards currently listed on eBay carry price tags worth hundreds of thousands of pounds. Anyone considering selling a high-value collectable should be aware of the CGT rules, when tax may be due, and the steps available to reduce their liability.
Collectables are not the only assets affected. CGT can apply to a wide range of disposals, including shares, investment properties and cryptocurrency holdings.
What is Capital Gains Tax and when is it payable?
Capital Gains Tax is charged when you sell or dispose of an asset for more than you originally paid for it.
The tax is not calculated on the full sale value of the asset. Instead, CGT is charged on the profit you make, which is the difference between the purchase price and the amount you receive when selling it.
For the 2026/27 tax year, CGT is charged at 18 per cent for basic rate taxpayers and 24 per cent for higher and additional rate taxpayers.
Every individual also benefits from an annual CGT exemption of £3,000. This means you can realise gains up to this amount before any tax becomes payable.
If you sell a property that is subject to CGT, you must report and pay the tax within 60 days of completion.
For assets such as shares, personal possessions and cryptocurrencies, gains are usually reported on your Self Assessment tax return, and any tax owed must be paid by 31 January following the end of the relevant tax year.
Taxpayers can also choose to use HMRC’s Real Time Capital Gains Tax service, which allows gains to be reported and tax to be paid sooner rather than waiting until the Self Assessment deadline.
How can you minimise your Capital Gains Tax bill?
Whether you have uncovered a rare Pokémon card in your collection or benefited from a successful investment, there are several legitimate ways to reduce the amount of CGT you owe when selling an asset.
Some of the most common strategies include:
Understanding your options before disposing of an asset can help ensure you do not pay more CGT than necessary and can make a significant difference to the final tax bill.
How can we help?
CGT can often be tricky to understand, especially if this is the first time that you are selling a sizeable asset for the first time or you need to understand how the gains will fit into your tax plan.
Our accountants are here to support you through the sale to understand the most tax-efficient ways to dispose of your assets.
We can also assist you with minimising your CGT liabilities so that you don’t end up paying more than you need to.
Get in touch with our team for support with Capital Gains Tax.
