How professional valuations minimise your CGT liability
Capital Gains Tax (CGT) is not a separate tax—it's part of your income tax. When you sell an asset (including property) for more than you paid for it, the profit is added to your assessable income and taxed at your marginal tax rate.
However, you can potentially reduce your CGT liability through a professional property valuation. The key lies in correctly calculating your cost base—the original purchase price plus eligible expenses—and determining if any exemptions apply.
A professional property valuation is crucial for CGT calculations because it establishes the market value of your property at key dates. This affects your calculation in several ways:
If you acquired the property before 1985 (before CGT was introduced), a valuation at 30 September 1985 establishes your starting cost base. This can significantly reduce or eliminate CGT.
For properties used partly for rental or investment, a valuation helps calculate the taxable portion versus the exempt portion (e.g., main residence exemption).
If the ATO disputes your cost base claims, a professional valuation from a qualified valuer provides authoritative evidence to support your position.
The main residence exemption is one of the most valuable CGT concessions. If a property was your main residence throughout your ownership, the full gain may be exempt from CGT. However, complications arise when:
Important: A professional valuation can help maximise your main residence exemption by accurately determining the property's value at the time you started renting it out or at other key dates.
Our valuations meet Australian Taxation Office requirements and are accepted for all CGT calculations.
Accurate valuations help you claim the correct cost base and maximise exemptions, potentially saving thousands.
Professional documentation protects you if the ATO audits your tax return.
Professional valuations to minimise your capital gains tax liability