How is capital gains tax calculated in Ghana?

Under the Income Tax Act 2015 (Act 896), the gain from realising an investment asset is the consideration received minus the cost base (purchase price, improvements and transaction costs). Resident individuals pay a flat 15% on that gain; companies pay 25%.

Which assets are exempt from CGT in Ghana?

Securities listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange are exempt, as is a gain on a principal private residence that you have owned and occupied for at least two of the last three years. Certain transfers between spouses and on death also fall outside the charge.

Can I deduct capital losses?

Yes. Losses realised on other investment assets can be set against your gains before the 15% rate is applied, reducing the taxable amount. This calculator subtracts the losses you enter from the gross gain.

Can I choose to be taxed at my marginal rate instead?

A resident individual may elect to include the gain in assessable income and pay at the graduated personal rates rather than the standalone 15%. That can be worthwhile if your marginal rate is below 15%, but the default this tool uses is the flat 15%.

Does this calculator store my data?

No. Every figure is computed locally in your browser and nothing is uploaded, so your details stay private.

Ghana Capital Gains Tax Calculator

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This Ghana capital gains tax calculator works out the tax due when you realise an investment asset — land, buildings, shares or other chargeable assets — under the Income Tax Act 2015 (Act 896). Enter your figures and it returns the gain, the tax, and your net proceeds.

How it works

The taxable gain is built up in steps:

Cost base = original purchase price + capital improvements + costs of acquisition and disposal.
Gross gain = consideration received − cost base.
Gain after losses = gross gain − any capital losses on other investment assets.
Tax = gain after losses × the rate, which is a flat 15% for resident individuals or 25% for companies.

If you select a GSE-listed securities or qualifying principal residence exemption, the gain is not chargeable and the tax falls to zero.

Example

Sell a property for GHS 500,000 that cost GHS 300,000, with GHS 20,000 of improvements and acquisition costs. The cost base is GHS 320,000, so the gross gain is GHS 180,000. With no losses, an individual pays 15% — GHS 27,000 — leaving net proceeds of GHS 473,000.

Notes

This is an estimate for the standalone 15% (individual) or 25% (company) treatment. A resident individual may instead elect to add the gain to assessable income and pay at marginal rates, which can be cheaper at low income levels. The tool does not handle part-disposals, instalment receipts or roll-over relief. Confirm your position with the Ghana Revenue Authority or a tax adviser before filing.