📊Capital Gains Tax Calculator

Capital Gains Tax Calculator India 2026

Calculate LTCG and STCG tax on stocks, mutual funds, property, and other assets. Includes indexation benefit for debt and real estate.

Asset Details

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Original purchase price of the asset

1,00010,00,00,000
₹

Price at which you sold the asset

1,00010,00,00,000

Capital Gains Tax Rules (Budget 2026)

Equity (Stocks & Equity Mutual Funds)

STCG (Held < 1 year):20% tax
LTCG (Held > 1 year):12.5% tax on gains above ₹1.25 lakh/year

Debt (Debt Mutual Funds & Bonds)

STCG (Held < 3 years):As per income tax slab
LTCG (Held > 3 years):20% with indexation benefit

Real Estate (Property)

STCG (Held < 2 years):As per income tax slab
LTCG (Held > 2 years):20% with indexation benefit

What is Indexation Benefit?

Indexation is a technique used to adjust the purchase price of an asset for inflation. This reduces your taxable capital gains and thereby your tax liability.

How Indexation Works

  • The government publishes Cost Inflation Index (CII) values every year
  • Your purchase price is multiplied by the ratio: (CII of sale year / CII of purchase year)
  • This gives you an "indexed cost" which is higher than actual purchase price
  • Capital gain = Sale price - Indexed cost (instead of actual cost)
  • Lower capital gain = Lower tax

Example

Property purchased in 2015 for ₹50 lakh, sold in 2025 for ₹90 lakh

Without indexation: Gain = ₹40 lakh, Tax = ₹8 lakh (20%)

With indexation: Indexed cost = ₹74.2 lakh, Gain = ₹15.8 lakh, Tax = ₹3.16 lakh (20%)

Tax saved: ₹4.84 lakh

How to Save Capital Gains Tax

Section 54 - Residential Property to Residential Property

If you sell a residential property and reinvest the capital gains in another residential property within 2 years, you can claim full exemption.

  • Must be a residential house property (not commercial)
  • Purchase within 2 years after sale or construct within 3 years
  • Only one new property allowed (changed from two in Budget 2023)
  • New property value must be equal to or more than capital gain

Section 54F - Any Asset to Residential Property

If you sell any long-term asset (stocks, gold, etc.) and invest entire sale proceeds in a residential property, you can get exemption.

  • Applicable to any long-term capital asset except residential property
  • Must invest entire net sale consideration (not just capital gain)
  • Should not own more than one residential house on date of sale

Section 54EC - Capital Gains Bonds

Invest capital gains in specified bonds (REC, NHAI, PFC) within 6 months to get exemption up to ₹50 lakh.

  • Lock-in period of 5 years
  • Interest rate around 5-5.25% per annum
  • Maximum investment: ₹50 lakh per financial year

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between LTCG and STCG?

LTCG (Long-Term Capital Gains) applies when you hold an asset for a longer period - 1 year for equity, 2 years for property, 3 years for debt. STCG (Short-Term Capital Gains) applies when you sell before that period. LTCG generally has lower tax rates.

Is the ₹1.25 lakh LTCG exemption available every year?

Yes, for equity shares and equity mutual funds, you get a ₹1.25 lakh exemption on long-term capital gains every financial year. This means the first ₹1.25 lakh of LTCG is tax-free.

Can I use indexation benefit for equity investments?

No, indexation benefit is not available for equity shares or equity mutual funds. It's only available for debt instruments and real estate held for the long term.

How is holding period calculated?

Holding period is calculated from the date of purchase to the date of sale. For inherited assets, the holding period of the previous owner is also included. For bonus shares, the holding period starts from the date of allotment of bonus shares.

Do I need to pay advance tax on capital gains?

Yes, if your total tax liability (including capital gains tax) exceeds ₹10,000 in a financial year, you must pay advance tax. However, if capital gains arise after 15th March, you can pay the entire tax with your income tax return.

What documents do I need for capital gains tax filing?

You need: (1) Purchase and sale contract notes/deeds, (2) Bank statements showing payment, (3) For property: stamp duty valuation certificate, (4) Demat account statements for stocks, (5) Broker's annual statement, (6) Cost Inflation Index reference for indexation.

Can capital losses be set off against capital gains?

Yes, short-term capital loss can be set off against both short-term and long-term capital gains. Long-term capital loss can only be set off against long-term capital gains. Losses can be carried forward for 8 years.

Is STT applicable on all equity transactions?

Securities Transaction Tax (STT) is applicable on equity shares and equity mutual funds traded on recognized stock exchanges. It's automatically deducted by the broker. Off-market transfers don't attract STT.

What if I sell property below stamp duty value?

For capital gains calculation, you must consider the stamp duty value (government valuation) if it's higher than your actual sale price. The difference is treated as the actual sale consideration.

Are there any changes in capital gains tax in Budget 2026?

The major changes include STCG on equity at 20% (increased from 15%) and LTCG on equity at 12.5% with ₹1.25 lakh exemption. The holding periods remain the same. Indexation benefit continues for debt and real estate.