Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG): Tax Rates, How to Calculate, Exemptions and Examples

Know the details of Long-Term Capital Gains Tax, the tax rates, and how it impacts your investments.
Home Loan
2 min
31 January 2025
Long-term capital gains (LTCG) refer to the profits earned from selling a capital asset that has been held for more than one year. In India, assets like shares, real estate, and mutual funds are subject to long-term capital gain tax. The tax rate and exemptions depend on the type of asset and the holding period. Understanding LTCG taxation is essential for financial planning.

This article will explain LTCG, tax rates, calculations, exemptions, and examples, helping you manage your investments wisely.

What is long-term capital gain (LTCG)?

LTCG arises when you sell a capital asset after holding it for more than a specified period. In India, this period is typically more than 36 months for most assets. However, for certain assets like listed equity shares and equity-oriented mutual funds, the holding period is more than 12 months. The gain is the difference between the sale price and the cost of acquisition, adjusted for any improvements or expenses related to the sale, and is subject to taxation based on government policies.

Key features:

  • LTCG applies to assets held for over one year.
  • The taxation of LTCG varies depending on the type of asset.
  • Indexation benefits apply to some asset classes, adjusting for inflation.
  • Tax exemptions are available under specific sections of the Income Tax Act.
Recognising LTCG is essential as it impacts your tax liabilities and financial decisions.

Budget 2025 long term capital gain tax updates

According to the Budget 2025, the government has retained the long-term capital gain tax structure. The tax rate for equities, mutual funds, and stocks remains at 12.5% for profits exceeding Rs. 1.25 lakh per financial year. The policy aims to maintain consistency and encourage long-term investments.

Notable updates:

  • A uniform 12.5% tax rate applies across asset classes.
  • No changes to existing exemption limits.
  • The government continues to monitor capital market trends to make future adjustments if necessary.

Tax rates for long-term capital gains

Asset typeTax rate (effective from July 23, 2024)
Listed equity shares12.5% (on gains > Rs. 1.25 lakh)
Equity-oriented mutual funds12.5% (on gains > Rs. 1.25 lakh)
Real estate12.5% (without indexation)
Other non-equity assets12.5% (without indexation)


How to calculate long-term capital gains?

  • Determine the sale price: The amount received from selling the asset.
  • Identify the cost of acquisition: The original purchase price of the asset.
  • Consider additional costs: Include expenses related to improvement or transfer.
  • Calculate LTCG: LTCG = Sale Price - (Cost of Acquisition + Additional Costs)

Calculation of LTCG in a table format

StepCalculation example
Sale priceRs. 10,00,000
Cost of acquisitionRs. 7,00,000
Additional costsRs. 50,000
LTCG calculationRs. 10,00,000 - (7,00,000 + 50,000) = Rs. 2,50,000


Long-term capital gains tax rate

Asset typeTax rate
Listed equity shares12.5%
Equity-oriented mutual funds12.5%
Real estate12.5% without indexation
Other non-equity assets12.5% without indexation


Long-term capital gains tax on shares

ConditionTax Rate
Gains > Rs. 1.25 lakh12.5%


Long-term capital gains example

Asset typeSale priceCost of acquisitionAdditional costsLTCGTax applicable
Equity shareRs. 10,00,000Rs. 7,00,000Rs. 50,000Rs. 2,50,000Rs. 2,50,000 x 0.125 = Rs. 31,250


How to fill long-term capital gains in ITR-2?

  • Navigate to Schedule CG: Select the appropriate section in the ITR-2 form.
  • Enter asset details: Provide details of the capital asset sold.
  • Compute LTCG: Enter the calculated LTCG amount.
  • Input tax liability: Apply the relevant tax rate and calculate payable tax.
  • Verify and submit: Cross-check details before filing the return.

Long-term capital gains tax exemptions

  • Exemption limit: LTCG up to Rs. 1.25 lakh on equity investments is tax-free.
  • Grandfathering clause: For assets bought before January 31, 2018, tax applies only on gains exceeding the highest price on that date.
  • Section 54 exemptions: Gains from the sale of property can be reinvested in residential property to avail of tax exemption.

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Frequently asked questions

How much long-term capital gain is tax free?
In India, long-term capital gains (LTCG) up to Rs. 1.25 lakh per financial year are exempt from tax for individuals. This exemption applies primarily to gains from equity-oriented assets, allowing small investors to benefit without incurring tax liabilities on their profits within this limit.

How to calculate tax on capital gains?
To calculate tax on long-term capital gains in India, first determine the profit from the sale of the asset. Subtract the exemption limit of Rs. 1.25 lakh from the total gain. The remaining amount is taxed at a uniform rate of 12.5%, applicable to all asset classes effective from July 2024.

What is the taxable amount for long term capital gains?
The taxable amount for long-term capital gains in India is calculated by taking the total gains from selling an asset held for over 24 months, subtracting the Rs. 1.25 lakh exemption limit, and applying a tax rate of 12.5% on any amount exceeding this threshold, as per the latest regulations.

How much capital gain is tax free on property?
For property sales classified as long-term capital assets, gains up to Rs. 1.25 lakh are tax-free. However, any profit exceeding this limit will be taxed at 12.5%. This applies to properties held for more than 24 months, ensuring some relief for property investors in India.

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