FIFO vs Pooling — Why UK Tax Rules Don’t Work Like US Rules
A clear comparison of FIFO (US) vs Section 104 pooling (UK) for calculating capital gains tax on shares. Why using the wrong method produces incorrect results.
Covered Calls and Cash-Secured Puts — Tax Treatment of Popular Option Strategies
How covered calls and cash-secured puts are taxed in the UK. The three possible outcomes for each strategy and how HMRC treats the option premium.
What Happens When Your Broker Closes — Protecting Your Tax Records
What happens to your shares and tax records if your broker shuts down. FSCS protection, record retention, and how to protect yourself before it happens.
Common CGT Mistakes That Trigger HMRC Enquiries
The most common Capital Gains Tax mistakes that land UK investors in trouble with HMRC. How to avoid them and what happens if you get it wrong.
Self-Assessment for Investors — A Complete Walkthrough
A step-by-step guide to filing self-assessment as a UK investor. Covers registration, which forms you need, key deadlines, and how capital gains and dividends fit together.
How Your Salary Affects Your CGT Rate — The Band Calculation Explained
How your employment income determines whether you pay 18% or 24% CGT. The band calculation explained with worked examples for different salary levels.
Crypto and Capital Gains Tax — How HMRC Taxes Bitcoin and Digital Assets in the UK
How HMRC taxes cryptocurrency in the UK. Bitcoin and other crypto are chargeable assets subject to CGT. Covers pooling rules, what triggers a disposal, and reporting requirements.
CFDs and Spread Bets — How Are They Taxed in the UK?
How CFDs and spread bets are taxed differently in the UK. Spread bets are usually tax-free, CFDs pay CGT. But HMRC can reclassify frequent traders.
How Stamp Duty Affects Your Share Cost Basis
How Stamp Duty Reserve Tax (0.5%) affects your Capital Gains Tax. It increases your cost basis and reduces your eventual gain. Here’s how to account for it.
CGT When You Leave the UK — What Happens to Your Shares?
What happens to your Capital Gains Tax obligations when you leave the UK. The temporary non-residence trap, the 5-year rule, and planning before you go.