In This Guide
Quick Links
- GRA Capital Gains Tax Page Official GRA information on capital gains tax rules, exemptions, and filing requirements.
- GRA eServices Portal File your capital gains tax return online, check your tax status, and manage your GRA account.
- GRA Forms & Downloads Download the capital gains tax return form and other required documents.
What Is Capital Gains Tax?
Capital gains tax (CGT) is a tax on the profit you make when you sell or dispose of a capital asset for more than you paid for it. In Guyana, capital gains tax is governed by the Capital Gains Tax Act and administered by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).
Capital assets include property (land and buildings), shares in private companies, business assets, and other investments. When you sell these assets at a profit, the difference between what you paid (the acquisition cost) and what you received (the disposal proceeds) is your capital gain, which may be subject to tax.
Key Concept
Capital gains tax only applies to gains realised on assets held for more than 12 months but less than 25 years. If you sell an asset within 12 months of buying it, the profit is treated as ordinary income under the Income Tax Act. If you have held the asset for more than 25 years, the gain is completely exempt from capital gains tax.
When Capital Gains Tax Applies
Capital gains tax is triggered when you dispose of a capital asset. A disposal includes:
- Selling property, land, or shares
- Transferring ownership of assets (including gifts in some cases)
- Exchanging one asset for another
- Receiving compensation for the loss or destruction of an asset (e.g., insurance payouts)
12-Month Rule
If you dispose of an asset within 12 months of acquiring it, any gain is not treated as a capital gain. Instead, it is deemed part of your chargeable income and taxed under the Income Tax Act at the standard income tax rate. This means short-term flipping of property or shares is taxed as income, not capital gains.
Tax Rate & Calculation
Capital gains tax in Guyana is levied at a flat rate of 20% on the net chargeable capital gain.
How to Calculate Your Capital Gain
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Disposal Proceeds | The amount you received (or market value) from selling the asset |
| 2. Minus: Acquisition Cost | The original price you paid for the asset |
| 3. Minus: Allowable Expenses | Legal fees, stamp duty, improvement costs, and other allowable deductions directly related to the acquisition or disposal |
| 4. Net Chargeable Gain | The result is your net capital gain, taxed at 20% |
Example Calculation
You purchased a property for GYD $10,000,000 and sold it 5 years later for GYD $18,000,000. Legal fees and stamp duty on the sale totalled GYD $500,000.
- Disposal Proceeds: $18,000,000
- Acquisition Cost: $10,000,000
- Allowable Expenses: $500,000
- Net Gain: $7,500,000
- Capital Gains Tax (20%): $1,500,000
Assets Acquired Before 2011
For assets acquired before 2011, gains are calculated based on the difference between the disposal price and the market value as at January 1, 2011 (not the original acquisition cost). This transitional rule applies to all capital assets held prior to that date.
Exemptions
Not all capital gains are taxable. The following exemptions apply under Guyana's Capital Gains Tax Act:
Capital Gains Tax Exemptions
Property Sales
Property transactions are the most common trigger for capital gains tax in Guyana. Whether you are selling a house, land, or commercial property, the 20% capital gains tax applies on the net gain if the property was held between 1 and 25 years.
Private Residence Exemption
Guyana offers a valuable exemption for homeowners: if you sell your private residence and use the full proceeds to purchase another private residence of equal or greater value, the capital gain is exempt. The reinvestment must occur:
- During the same year of assessment as the sale, or
- Within 60 days after the end of the year of assessment in which the property was sold
Important for Property Sellers
The private residence exemption only applies if the property was used as your own home. Investment properties, rental properties, and commercial properties do not qualify for this exemption. Additionally, the replacement property must be of equal or greater value — if you downsize, you may owe capital gains tax on the difference.
For more on property transactions, see our Property Transfer Guide and Property Tax Guide.
Share Transfers
Capital gains tax also applies to the sale or transfer of shares, with important distinctions:
| Type of Shares | Capital Gains Tax? |
|---|---|
| Public Company Shares | Exempt — no capital gains tax on shares in publicly listed companies |
| Private Company Shares | Taxable at 20% on the net gain (if held 1–25 years) |
| Shares Held Under 12 Months | Gain taxed as ordinary income under the Income Tax Act |
| Shares Held Over 25 Years | Exempt from capital gains tax |
How to File
If you have realised a capital gain that is subject to tax, you must file a capital gains tax return with the GRA. Here is how:
- Obtain the Return Form: Download the Capital Gains Tax Return form from the GRA Forms page or collect it from any GRA office.
- Calculate Your Gain: Determine your net chargeable capital gain using the calculation method outlined above.
- Complete the Return: Fill in the details of the disposal, including the asset description, dates of acquisition and disposal, proceeds, costs, and the computed tax.
- Submit by April 30: File the return on or before April 30 of the year following the disposal. You can file online through the GRA eServices portal or submit in person at a GRA office.
- Pay the Tax Due: Pay the capital gains tax owed when you submit your return. Late filing or payment may attract penalties and interest.
Need Help?
Contact the GRA Tax Advisory Services for assistance with your capital gains tax return. Call 227-4921 or visit the GRA Head Office at 200–201 Camp Street, Georgetown.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capital gains tax rate in Guyana?
Capital gains tax in Guyana is applied at a flat rate of 20% on the net chargeable capital gain. The net chargeable gain is calculated as the disposal proceeds minus the acquisition cost and any allowable deductions.
When does capital gains tax apply?
Capital gains tax applies when you dispose of a capital asset that you have held for more than 12 months but less than 25 years. If you dispose of an asset within 12 months, the gain is treated as income and taxed under income tax instead.
Are there exemptions from capital gains tax?
Yes. Key exemptions include: gains under GYD $500,000, assets held for more than 25 years, shares in public companies, and the sale of a private residence where the proceeds are reinvested in another residence of equal or greater value within the year of assessment or within 60 days after the end of that year.
Do I pay capital gains tax on selling my house?
It depends. If you sell your private residence and use the proceeds to purchase another private residence of equal or greater value during the same year of assessment (or within 60 days after), the gain is exempt. Otherwise, a 20% capital gains tax applies on the net gain if the property was held between 1 and 25 years.
How do I file a capital gains tax return?
Capital gains tax returns must be filed with the GRA on or before April 30 of the year following the disposal. You can file online through the GRA eServices portal at eservices.gra.gov.gy or submit the return in person at a GRA office.
Is capital gains tax on shares different from property?
Yes. Gains from the disposal of shares in public companies are exempt from capital gains tax. However, gains from selling shares in private companies are subject to the standard 20% rate, following the same holding period rules and exemptions.
What happens if a gain occurs within 12 months of acquiring an asset?
If you dispose of an asset within 12 months of acquiring it, any gain is not treated as a capital gain. Instead, it is deemed part of your chargeable income and taxed under the Income Tax Act at the applicable income tax rate.
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Government Services HubLast updated: April 3, 2026. Information in this guide is based on the Capital Gains Tax Act and official GRA publications. Tax laws may change — always verify current rates and rules at gra.gov.gy or consult a qualified tax professional.