Understanding Capital Gains Tax & How It Affects Your Returns

If you invest in stocks, real estate, mutual funds, or gold, you need to understand Capital Gains Tax (CGT). It directly affects your profits when you sell your assets. But don’t worry this guide will explain everything in simple terms, so you can make smart financial decisions and keep more of your hard-earned money!  Let’s break it down in simple terms so you know exactly how it affects you!

Whenever you buy an asset (like stocks, mutual funds, property, or gold) and later sell it for a higher price, the profit you make is called a Capital Gain. Since it’s a form of income, the government taxes it. There are two types of Capital Gains Taxes depending on how long you hold your asset before selling:

• Short-Term Capital Gains Tax (STCG): If you sell your asset within a short time, the government taxes the gain at a higher rate. Usually, "short-term" means less than 1 year, but it depends on the type of asset. STCG is generally higher than LTCG, making short-term trading less tax-efficient.
• Long-Term Capital Gains Tax (LTCG): If you hold an asset for a longer period (more than 1 or 2 years, depending on the asset), you get a lower tax rate on your profits. The idea is to encourage long-term investing over quick buying and selling.

The Union Budget 2025 introduced major updates to Capital Gains Tax.
Here's what changed:

• Flat 12.5% LTCG Tax – Simpler but Costlier: Earlier, stocks had a 10% LTCG tax, and real estate had 20%. Now, all assets are taxed at a flat 12.5%. Stock investors pay slightly more, but real estate sellers save big!
• More Tax-Free Gains – Up to ₹1.25 Lakh: Before, LTCG up to ₹1 lakh was tax-free. Now, the limit is ₹1.25 lakh. Small investors benefit the most—if your gains stay within this, you pay zero tax!
• Sell Property in 2 Years & Pay Less Tax: Earlier, you had to hold real estate for 3 years to get LTCG benefits. Now, it’s just 2 years! Selling before that means paying a higher 20% short-term tax.
• ULIPs Over ₹2.5 Lakh? Now Taxed at 12.5%: ULIP profits were tax-free earlier. But from April 2026, if your premium is over ₹2.5 lakh, gains will be taxed at 12.5%. Mutual funds might be a better choice now.
• Short-Term Trading Gets Costlier – 20% Tax Now: Short-term capital gains tax on stocks was 15%, now it’s 20% on some assets. Holding stocks for over a year is now even more rewarding!

• Stock Investors – Slightly higher LTCG tax, but still better than short-term tax.
• Property Sellers – Lower LTCG tax than before but need to hold for 2 years to qualify.
• ULIP Holders – High-premium ULIPs lose some tax benefits.
• Short-Term Traders – Higher STCG tax means more cost on quick trades.

• Think long-term – The longer you hold, the lower your tax burden.
• Reassess ULIPs – If you have high-premium ULIPs, consider other tax-efficient investment options.
• Plan your real estate sales wisely – Holding for 2+ years can save you big on taxes!
• Consult a Tax Expert – Every investor’s situation is different, so get personalized advice!

Read more on: www.adroitfinancial.com