CGT 'tax raid on horizon' as Chancellor fights escalating deficit

OTS package of reforms published

Jenna Brown
clock • 5 min read

The Office for Tax Simplification (OTS) has proposed a number of reforms to capital gains tax (CGT) in a hastily produced report, fuelling speculation that the Chancellor is set to make significant changes.

Quilter tax and financial planning expert Racheal Griffin said it was unusual for the government to produce "chunky reports at speed" unless there was a real requirement. The OTS itself acknowledged the consultation had been produced in a shorter timeframe than usual. Griffin said: "This hints that change to CGT will be on the cards as the Chancellor looks to counteract the escalating deficit caused by the pandemic. "The appeal of changing CGT is clear - only a relatively small number of people pay it. Statistics show that over the course of a decade around 1.5 million people reported...

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 Tax planning

CGT: A stealth tax representing advice opportunity

CGT: A stealth tax representing advice opportunity

'The sharpest sense of grievance may be among business owners'

Andrew Aldridge
clock 12 August 2026 • 8 min read
The forgotten side of IHT planning: Giving clients permission to enjoy their wealth

The forgotten side of IHT planning: Giving clients permission to enjoy their wealth

'I believe IHT planning is becoming as much about psychology as legislation'

Lee Quinn
clock 11 August 2026 • 4 min read
IHT liabilities hit record £7.03bn in 2023-24 tax year

IHT liabilities hit record £7.03bn in 2023-24 tax year

Figures ‘set to accelerate’

Sophia Panayi
clock 30 July 2026 • 2 min read