Tax experts slam CGT taper relief plan

clock

David Cameron's proposed CGT taper relief plan has been condemned as a "dreadful idea" by tax experts.

The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) said plans to taper the rate from profits on shares, second homes and other assets according to how long they have been held - a key concession to head off a revolt by Tory MPs - is "misguided". "Taper relief is a dreadful idea," IFS senior research economist Stuart Adam told the Financial Times. "It is highly undesirable in terms of its economic effects. "Persuading people to hold on to assets they would otherwise sell, to get a lower tax rate, is a misguided thing to do." The IFS also warned the coalition's proposed exemption of business asse...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Economics / Markets

Bank of England holds rates at 3.75% as it waits for 'cloudy' data to clear

Bank of England holds rates at 3.75% as it waits for 'cloudy' data to clear

'Wait and see approach'

Michael Nelson
clock 05 February 2026 • 2 min read
Kevin Warsh's surprise pick for Fed chair forces investors to rethink 'dollar debasement'

Kevin Warsh's surprise pick for Fed chair forces investors to rethink 'dollar debasement'

'Catalyst' for rapid repricing

Alex Sebastian
clock 04 February 2026 • 4 min read
Partner Insight: A new VCT landscape - what advisers need to know after the Budget

Partner Insight: A new VCT landscape - what advisers need to know after the Budget

For professional advisers and paraplanners only. Not to be relied upon by retail clients.

Toyin Oyeneyin, Tax Product Specialist, Octopus Investments
clock 19 January 2026 • 5 min read