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Compare Capital Gains Tax Scenarios

Model two completely independent scenarios to see which option results in less CGT. Compare different assets, sale dates, income levels, and exemptions side-by-side.

Need to calculate a single capital gain first? Use our CGT calculator.

When to use Compare Mode

  • Different assets: Compare selling shares vs property
  • Different timing: Compare selling this year vs next year
  • Different income years: Model how different taxable income affects CGT
  • What-if analysis: Test any two CGT scenarios you can imagine
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01 —INPUTS
A
Scenario A saves $3,920.00 in tax compared to Scenario B
02 —RESULTS

Scenario A

Lower Tax
Determines the financial year and 12-month discount test.
Buying/selling costs, stamp duty, legal fees, agent fees
Amounts that must reduce the cost base, such as Div 43 capital works deductions claimed or claimable, or a return of capital
Allowable current-year and carried-forward losses, excluding collectable and personal-use losses
Your taxable income excluding this capital gain

2026-27 Capital Gains Tax rates

6 months — No CGT discount

Capital Gain — Your capital gain is $24,500.00

CGT Discount — No CGT discount applies

Additional Tax — This capital gain increases your tax by approximately $7,840.00

Tax Comparison

MetricBefore SaleAfter Sale
Taxable income$95,000.00$119,500.00
Income tax$19,020.00$26,370.00
Medicare levy$1,900.00$2,390.00
Total tax$20,920.00$28,760.00

Scenario B

Determines the financial year and 12-month discount test.
Buying/selling costs, stamp duty, legal fees, agent fees
Amounts that must reduce the cost base, such as Div 43 capital works deductions claimed or claimable, or a return of capital
Allowable current-year and carried-forward losses, excluding collectable and personal-use losses
Your taxable income excluding this capital gain

2026-27 Capital Gains Tax rates

12+ months — 50% CGT discount applies

Capital Gain — Your capital gain is $24,500.00

CGT Discount — 50% CGT discount applied: $12,250.00

Additional Tax — This capital gain increases your tax by approximately $3,920.00

Tax Comparison

MetricBefore SaleAfter Sale
Taxable income$95,000.00$107,250.00
Income tax$19,020.00$22,695.00
Medicare levy$1,900.00$2,145.00
Total tax$20,920.00$24,840.00

From 1 July 2027 the 50% CGT discount is replaced by cost-base indexation and a 30% minimum tax (Act 49 of 2026); gains accrued before that date can still get the discount.

03 —BREAKDOWN

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricScenario AScenario BDifference
Capital Gain$24,500.00$24,500.00—
CGT DiscountNone50%—
Taxable Gain$24,500.00$12,250.00$12,250.00
Additional Tax$7,840.00$3,920.00$3,920.00
Effective CGT Rate0.3%0.2%0.2%

This calculator provides estimates only and does not constitute financial advice. Actual amounts may vary based on individual circumstances. Consult a registered tax agent for personalised guidance.

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How to get the most out of Compare Mode

Each side calculates capital gains tax independently. Change one variable at a time — sale year, income level, or asset type — to isolate its tax impact. The URL updates automatically so you can bookmark or share your comparison.

New to capital gains tax? Our CGT calculator page explains how the 50% discount, main residence exemption, and marginal tax rates work.

Selling after 1 July 2027? Use the CGT discount reform calculator to compare selling before vs after the 1 July 2027 reform under the new cost-base indexation and 30% minimum tax rules.

Frequently asked questions

What is CGT Compare Mode?
CGT Compare Mode lets you calculate capital gains tax for two completely independent scenarios side-by-side. Unlike our preset scenarios, you have full control over every input in both scenarios—different assets, different purchase dates, different income levels, and more.
How is this different from the CGT scenario pages?
Our scenario pages (like "Sell now vs hold") start with shared base values and vary specific inputs. Compare Mode treats Scenario A and Scenario B as entirely separate calculations, so you can compare completely different situations.
Can I compare different types of assets?
Yes. You can set Scenario A to shares and Scenario B to property (or vice versa). Each scenario operates independently with its own asset type, PPOR settings, and all other inputs.
How do I share my comparison?
The URL updates automatically as you change inputs. Simply copy the URL from your browser's address bar to share your exact comparison with someone else, or bookmark it to return later.
What does the "Lower Tax" badge mean?
When both scenarios have valid results, the one with lower additional tax payable displays a "Lower Tax" badge. This helps you quickly identify which option results in less capital gains tax.
Is this financial advice?
No. This calculator provides estimates only to help you understand potential outcomes. For significant transactions, complex structures, or tax planning decisions, consult a registered tax agent or financial adviser.

Tax Accuracy & Sources

Reviewed: March 2026 · Tax year: 2026-27

Compares two independent CGT scenarios using standard discount and PPOR rules. Foreign-resident scenarios are an approximate estimate (taxable Australian property, foreign resident for the whole ownership period). It does not cover multiple concurrent properties, capital loss carry-forward, changing-residency discount apportionment, or withholding at settlement.

Related tools

CGT Calculator Calculate capital gains tax for a single asset sale. CGT Scenarios Explore preset comparisons like sell now vs hold and PPOR vs investment. Income Tax Calculator Estimate your total income tax including capital gains.
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