Definition of "Capital Gain"

An increase in the value of your asset or investment realised upon a sale. It should be noted that if you hold an asset and it rises in value a capital gain has not been made this is due to the fact that it can subsequently fall again. Therefore a capital gain is only made on the disposal of the asset by sale. In the UK any capital gains realised as a result of the sale of an asset over and above an individuals capital gains allowance, are potentially liable for tax known as capital gains tax CGT. Tax is calculated at the individuals marginal rate, this means that the gain is added to the individuals income and taxed at whatever rate their income is consequently take to. However you can claim any capital losses also realised during that same tax year against any realised gains before adding it to the overall taxable income.

The profitable result of the sale of a security or asset whereby the net sales price exceeds the net cost at date of purchase.

The positive difference between an asset's purchase price and the selling price. Current tax regulations require any gains to be taxed at a rate up to 28%.