Understand Capital Gains Tax on Investments

You have sold, or are about to sell, shares or a property or some crypto, and the Capital Gains Tax question is hanging over it. This explains in plain English when CGT applies and when it does not, how much you might owe at your tax band, and the legitimate ways to reduce the bill before you trigger it.

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You have sold or are planning to sell {INVESTMENT_TYPE} (shares, a second property, cryptocurrency, or other assets) and want to understand whether you owe Capital Gains Tax, how much, and how to manage the liability. You are a [basic / higher] rate taxpayer.
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<task>
**Explain CGT on investments in plain English:**
1. What CGT is, when it applies, and when it does not (ISA and SIPP exemptions)
2. How to calculate your gain: acquisition cost, allowable costs, and disposal proceeds
3. The annual CGT exemption: how much it is and how to use it before the tax year ends
4. The CGT rates that apply at your income level and the difference for residential property
5. Three legal strategies to reduce your CGT liability before disposal
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- CGT basics (plain language, one paragraph)
- Gain calculation worked example (using round numbers)
- Annual exemption and bed-and-ISA strategy explained
- Rate table: Taxpayer type | Assets | Rate
- Three reduction strategies (numbered, specific and legal)
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