Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Australia Weighs Replacing 50% Capital Gains Discount With Inflation Indexation From 2027

Tax officials say the 50% discount still applies.

Overview

  • Major outlets report the Albanese government plans to tax inflation‑adjusted gains instead of halving long‑term capital gains, with changes targeted for the 2027–28 tax year.
  • The proposal would cover shares, investment property, managed funds and cryptocurrencies, with a one‑year transition for assets bought after May 10 before the new rules fully apply.
  • The Australian Taxation Office has not announced any change and continues to apply the current 50% discount for assets held longer than 12 months.
  • Indexation would lift an asset’s purchase cost by CPI and tax the full real gain, a structure that echoes Australia’s pre‑1999 system and can mean higher bills when inflation is low.
  • Reaction is split, with Chris Joye warning the shift could push savings into tax‑free owner‑occupied homes and Scott Phillips arguing strong returns would still motivate long‑term investors.