2022 Capital Gains Tax Rates in Europe (2024)

In many countries, investment income, such as dividends and capital gains, is taxed at a different rate than wage income. Today’s map focuses on how capital gains are taxed, showing how capital gains tax rates differ across European OECD countries.

When a person realizes a capital gain—that is, sells an asset for a profit—they face a tax on that gain. For example, if you buy a share for $100 and sell it for $120, you pay capital gains tax on your $20 gain.

The capital gains tax rates shown in the map are the top marginal capital gains tax rates levied on individuals, taking into account exemptions and surtaxes. If the capital gains tax rate varies in a country by type of asset sold, the tax rate applying to the sale of listed shares after an extended period of time is used.

2022 Capital Gains Tax Rates in Europe (1)

Denmark levies the highest top capital gains tax of all countries covered, at a rate of 42percent. Norway levies the second-highest top capital gains tax at 35.2 percent. Finland and France follow, at 34percent each.

A number of European countries do not levy capital gains taxes on the sale of long-held shares. These include Belgium, the Czech Republic, Luxembourg, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland, and Turkey. Of the countries that do levy a capital gains tax, Greece and Hungary have the lowest rates, at 15percent.

On average, the European countries covered tax capital gains arising from the sale of listed shares at 19.4percent.

2022 Capital Gains Tax Rates in Europe (European OECD Countries) as of February 2022
Top Marginal Capital Gains Tax Rates on Individuals Owning Long-Held Listed Shares without Substantial Ownership (Includes Surtaxes)
European OECD CountryTop Marginal Capital Gains Tax RateAdditional Comments
Austria (AT)27.50%
Belgium (BE)0.00%Capital gains are only taxed if they are regarded as professional income.
Czech Republic (CZ)0.00%Capital gains included in PIT but exempt if shares of a joint stock company were held for at least three years (five years if limited liability company).
Denmark (DK)42.00%Capital gains are subject to PIT.
Estonia (EE)20.00%Capital gains are subject to PIT.
Finland (FI)34.00%
France (FR)34.00%Flat 30% tax on capital gains, plus 4% for high-income earners.
Germany (DE)26.38%Flat 25% tax on capital gains, plus a 5.5% solidarity surcharge.
Greece (GR)15.00%
Hungary (HU)15.00%Capital gains are subject to a flat PIT rate of 15%.
Iceland (IS)22.00%
Ireland (IE)33.00%
Italy (IT)26.00%
Latvia (LV)20.00%
Lithuania (LT)20.00%Capital gains are subject to PIT, with a top rate of 20%.
Luxembourg (LU)0.00%Capital gains are tax-exempt if a movable asset (such as shares) was held for at least six months and is owned by a non-large shareholder. Taxed at progressive rates if held <6 months.
Netherlands (NL)31.00%Net asset value is taxed at a flat rate of 31% on a deemed annual return (the deemed annual return varies by the total value of assets owned).
Norway (NO)35.20%Capital gains are subject to PIT (an adjustment factor applies).
Poland (PL)19.00%
Portugal (PT)28.00%
Slovakia (SK)0.00%Shares are exempt from capital gains tax if they were held for more than one year and are not part of the business assets of the taxpayer.
Slovenia (SI)0.00%Capital gains rate of 0% if the asset was held for more than 20 years (rate up to 27.5% for periods less than 20 years).
Spain (ES)26.00%
Sweden (SE)30.00%
Switzerland (CH)0.00%Capital gains on movable assets such as shares are normally tax-exempt.
Turkey (TR)0.00%Shares that are traded on the Stock Exchange and that have been held for at least one year are tax-exempt (two years for joint-stock companies).
United Kingdom (GB)20.00%

Note: “PIT” refers to personal income tax.

Sources: Bloomberg Tax, “Country Guide,” https://www.bloomberglaw.com/product/tax/toc_view_menu/3380/; and PwC, “Worldwide Tax Summaries Online,” https://taxsummaries.pwc.com/.

2022 Capital Gains Tax Rates in Europe (2024)

FAQs

2022 Capital Gains Tax Rates in Europe? ›

Capital gains are subject to a flat PIT rate of 15%. Capital gains are subject to PIT, with a top rate of 20%. Capital gains are tax-exempt if a movable asset (such as shares) was held for at least six months and is owned by a non-large shareholder. Taxed at progressive rates if held <6 months.

Which country has the highest tax rate in Europe 2022? ›

Denmark (55.9 percent), France (55.4 percent), and Austria (55 percent) had the highest top statutory personal income tax rates in Europe among OECD countries in 2022. Hungary (15 percent), Estonia (20 percent), and the Czech Republic (23 percent) had the lowest top statutory personal income top rates in Europe.

What is the capital gains scale for 2022? ›

For example, in 2022, individual filers won't pay any capital gains tax if their total taxable income is $41,675 or below. However, they'll pay 15 percent on capital gains if their income is $41,676 to $459,750. Above that income level, the rate jumps to 20 percent.

What is Portugal capital gains tax 2022? ›

Until 31/12/2022, net real estate capital gains are considered at only 50% of their value and taxed autonomously at the special rate of 28%;

Which is the highest taxed country in Europe? ›

Finland. Finland has the highest taxes in Europe and the second highest taxes in the world.

Are taxes higher in Europe than the US? ›

In contrast to the US combined rate of 15.3%, European rates range between 13.97% (not including medical insurance and pension contributions) in Switzerland and a whopping 65-68% in France, based on the 2022 table by Trading Economics. Speaking about European taxes vs.

Which EU country has lowest taxes? ›

So, keep reading to determine countries with lowest taxes in Europe and choose the perfect destination for your tech outsourcing in 2023.
  • List of Countries with Lowest Taxes in Europe.
  • Bulgaria.
  • Hungary.
  • Czech Republic.
  • Poland.
  • England.
  • Romania.
  • Cyprus.
Apr 7, 2023

Will capital gains tax rate increase in 2022? ›

Congress hasn't made changes to rates on long-term capital gains and dividends for 2022 and 2023. Investors who have taxable accounts—as opposed to tax-favored retirement accounts such as individual retirement accounts (IRAs) or 401(k)s—are often eligible for lower tax rates on investment income and other benefits.

Is capital gains tax 15% or 20% in the United States? ›

Capital gains taxes are progressive, similar to income taxes. Short-term capital gains are taxed according to the relevant federal tax rate. Long-term capital gains are subject to 0%, 15% or 20%, depending on your taxable income. According to the IRS, most people pay no more than 15% on their long-term capital gains.

How do I avoid capital gains tax? ›

9 Ways to Avoid Capital Gains Taxes on Stocks
  1. Invest for the Long Term. ...
  2. Contribute to Your Retirement Accounts. ...
  3. Pick Your Cost Basis. ...
  4. Lower Your Tax Bracket. ...
  5. Harvest Losses to Offset Gains. ...
  6. Move to a Tax-Friendly State. ...
  7. Donate Stock to Charity. ...
  8. Invest in an Opportunity Zone.
Apr 20, 2023

What is the capital gains tax in Italy? ›

This is so that said gains are subject to the 26% Italian capital gains tax should more than 50%(1) of the value of the transferred company derive (directly or indirectly) from immovable property located in Italy at any time during the 365 days preceding the sale (ie, "land rich" company).

What is the capital gains tax in Spain? ›

In Spain, Capital Gains Tax is payable at 19%. This note is designed to draw your attention to the potential considerations for when you are selling a property as a tax resident in Spain.

What is the capital gains tax in the UK? ›

Deduct your tax-free allowance from your total taxable gains. Add this amount to your taxable income. If this amount is within the basic Income Tax band you'll pay 10% on your gains (or 18% on residential property). You'll pay 20% (or 28% on residential property) on any amount above the basic tax rate.

Who pays more tax UK or USA? ›

US taxes vs UK taxes. In absolute terms, you pay less income tax in the US. The highest rate of income tax in the US is 37% if you earn over $523k. In the UK, it's 45% if you earn over £150k.

What is the biggest tax free in Europe? ›

At a flat 10%, Bulgaria has the European Union's lowest personal income tax rate. Bulgaria's corporate tax rate is also 10%, meaning it has the second-lowest corporate tax rate in the EU, after Hungary.

Why is tax so high in Europe? ›

European nations typically levy higher taxes to fund generous social-security payments and public services. Europeans often argue that higher taxes provide better services such as health care, transport and education, and lower crime rates and corruption.

Is it cheaper to live in Europe or America? ›

Overall, Europe has a lower cost of living due to lower healthcare expenses, a weakening euro currency, and low inflation. Europeans, however, tend to pay more of their income to taxes, and average wages tend to be lower than in America.

What is the highest taxed country in the world? ›

While both its sales and corporate tax regimes may be considerably lower than those of other countries globally, at 60%, Côte d'Ivoire's income tax rates are markedly higher compared to developed countries.

Are taxes higher in Germany or USA? ›

First, the U.S. is a relatively lightly taxed country, with an average tax burden that is lower than Germany's by more than 10% of GDP. Second, in the United States, consumption, labor income and capital income (that is, business and property income) all face a lower tax burden than in Germany.

Which country has no capital gains tax? ›

Not all countries impose a capital gains tax and most have different rates of taxation for individuals compared to corporations. Countries that do not impose a capital gains tax include Bahrain, Barbados, Belize, the Cayman Islands, the Isle of Man, Jamaica, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Singapore, and others.

Which country is best to not pay taxes? ›

At present, there are 14 tax-free countries around the world. These include Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, the United Arab Emirates, Vanuatu, Brunei, Bahrain, the Bahamas, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, Monaco, Kuwait, Qatar, Somalia, and Western Sahara.

Which European countries have no wealth tax? ›

The countries in Europe with no wealth tax are Portugal, Monaco, Liechtenstein, and Greece.

How to reduce capital gains tax 2022? ›

There are a few ways to lower the capital gains tax bill you pay on profits from the sale of stock. You can claim your fees as a tax deduction, use tax-loss harvesting, or invest in tax-advantaged retirement accounts.

What is the capital gains tax rate in the United States? ›

The capital gains tax rate is 0%, 15%, or 20%, depending on your taxable income for the year. High earners pay more. The income levels are adjusted annually for inflation. (See the tables above for the capital gains tax rates for the 2022 and 2023 tax years.)

Did Biden raise the capital gains tax rate? ›

Currently, the capital gains tax rate for long term capital gains (assets held for more than one year) is at most 20%. Biden's budget proposal would nearly double that rate to 39.6%.

What is the one time capital gains exemption in USA? ›

Key Takeaways. You can sell your primary residence and be exempt from capital gains taxes on the first $250,000 if you are single and $500,000 if married filing jointly.

Who mostly benefits from the capital gains tax? ›

Capital gains are the profits that are realized by selling an investment, such as stocks, bonds, or real estate. Capital gains taxes are lower than ordinary income taxes, providing an advantage to investors over wage workers. Moreover, capital losses can sometimes be deducted from one's total tax bill.

Do long-term capital gains count as income? ›

Gains from the sale of assets you've held for longer than a year are known as long-term capital gains, and they are typically taxed at lower rates than short-term gains and ordinary income, from 0% to 20%, depending on your taxable income.

At what age can you avoid capital gains tax? ›

Current tax law does not allow you to take a capital gains tax break based on age. In the past, the IRS allowed people over the age of 55 a tax exemption for home sales. However, this exclusion was closed in 1997 in favor of the expanded exemption for all homeowners.

Can I reinvest capital gains to avoid taxes? ›

To avoid paying capital gains taxes (and any depreciation recapture), you can reinvest in a "like-kind" asset with a sales price of at least $500,000. The IRS allows virtually any commercial real estate property to qualify as 'like-kind” as long as you hold it for investment purposes.

How many times can you avoid capital gains tax? ›

How Often Can You Claim the Capital Gains Exclusion? You can exclude capital gains from the sale of a primary residence once every two years. If you want to claim the capital gains exclusion more than once, you'll have to meet the usage and ownership requirements at a different residence.

What is the 7% tax rule in Italy? ›

7% flat tax requirements

You should not have been a resident of Italy in the last 5 tax years prior to moving to Italy. This means that you may have been a tax resident of Italy 5 years ago or more and still qualify. Finally, you must settle in a qualifying municipality.

What is Portugal capital gains tax rate? ›

Put simply, capital gains tax in Portugal is charged on the sale of property or other assets at a rate of 28% for individuals and 25% for companies and non-residents.

What is the 7% tax scheme in Italy? ›

1, paras. 273 – 275) to those who benefit from a pension treatment abroad (pensions or comparable allowances). These people, if they wish, will be able to access a preferential regime that allows them to subject their income to a 7% substitute tax.

What is the capital gains tax in Barcelona? ›

Capital gain tax

Spain's capital gains tax rates (the tax on profits from selling property or other investments including crypto currencies) are as follows: Below €6.000: 19% €6.000-50.000: 21% €50.000-200.000: 23%

Can you be resident in Spain but not tax resident? ›

Under Spanish law, the concept of part-year resident does not exist. An individual is either resident or non-resident and is taxed as such for the entire tax year. However, in certain situations, a person may be resident for tax purposes in two different countries.

Is income tax higher in Spain or UK? ›

Tax in Spain works slightly different from the UK, and as a result, your tax may be slightly higher. In Spain, you are taxed on everything. However, there are multiple allowances that you can take into account which will reduce the overall tax to pay.

How do I avoid capital gains tax in England? ›

You do not pay Capital Gains Tax on certain assets, including any gains you make from:
  1. ISAs or PEPs.
  2. UK government gilts and Premium Bonds.
  3. betting, lottery or pools winnings.

How much is capital gains tax on property in Ireland? ›

Rate and payment of Capital Gains Tax. The standard rate of Capital Gains Tax is 33% of the chargeable gain you make.

How long do you have to keep a property to avoid capital gains tax UK? ›

You're only liable to pay CGT on any property that isn't your primary place of residence - i.e. your main home where you have lived for at least 2 years. So it's those with second homes and Buy To Let portfolios who really need to keep their ears open.

Is England the most taxed country in the world? ›

Again, Denmark has the highest personal income tax rate, at 56%, compared to 45% in the UK.

Do US citizens living in UK pay US taxes? ›

Do US expats living in the UK also have to file US taxes? Yes, due to the US's citizenship-based taxation system, all US citizens and permanent residents must report their worldwide income.

Is US Social Security taxable in UK? ›

This means that the UK cannot tax the social security pension, even though it wishes to under domestic law. However, there is no such wording in the UK-Spain double tax agreement.

Why is Switzerland a tax haven? ›

The European nation of Switzerland is considered to be an international tax haven due to low tax levels and privacy laws. Switzerland also has a history of favorable tax treaties, stable politics, and a wealth of advisors.

Is Portugal a tax haven? ›

With standard tax rates ranging from 14.5% to 53%, Portugal can either be crippling or a tax haven depending on how and where you structure your wealth.

Why is the Netherlands considered a tax haven? ›

Effectively, the Netherlands is a conduit country that helps to funnel profits from high-tax countries to tax havens. Particularly the Dutch Special Purpose Entities attract income, often as interest and royalty payments, and pass it on, effectively untaxed, to tax havens.

Where is the best tax place to live in Europe? ›

Denmark (55.9 percent), France (55.4 percent), and Austria (55 percent) had the highest top statutory personal income tax rates in Europe among OECD countries in 2022. Hungary (15 percent), Estonia (20 percent), and the Czech Republic (23 percent) had the lowest top statutory personal income top rates in Europe.

Which country has the fairest tax system? ›

Tax Competitiveness Index 2022: Estonia has the world's best tax system
  • It has no corporate income tax on reinvested and retained profits (and a 14-20 per cent corporate income tax rate on distributed profits). ...
  • It has a flat 20 per cent tax on individual income.

Which country in Europe has the lowest taxes? ›

So, keep reading to determine countries with lowest taxes in Europe and choose the perfect destination for your tech outsourcing in 2023.
  • List of Countries with Lowest Taxes in Europe.
  • Bulgaria.
  • Hungary.
  • Czech Republic.
  • Poland.
  • England.
  • Romania.
  • Cyprus.
Apr 7, 2023

Are UK taxes higher than us? ›

In absolute terms, you pay less income tax in the US. The highest rate of income tax in the US is 37% if you earn over $523k. In the UK, it's 45% if you earn over £150k. In many US states, you also have to pay state taxes - some states pay nothing, but New York, for example, the state taxes can be an additional 8.8%.

What country pays the highest taxes? ›

Côte d'Ivoire citizens pay the highest income taxes in the world according to a survey by World Population Review.

Which country pay highest tax in the world? ›

Countries with the Highest Income Tax Rates
  • Ivory Coast: 60% Ivory Coast has one of the highest income tax rates in the world, with the top bracket taxed at 60%. ...
  • Finland: 56% ...
  • Japan, Austria, and Denmark: 55% ...
  • Sweden and Aruba: 52% ...
  • Belgium, Israel, and Slovenia: 50% ...
  • Netherlands: 49% ...
  • Portugal and Ireland: 48% ...
  • Spain: 47%
Mar 4, 2023

Do Germany pay more tax than UK? ›

Germany. Basic rates of tax are around the same as in Britain (ranging from 19% to a top rate of 45%), but workers have to pay an extra 10% for state pensions, 8% for health, 1.5% for unemployment cover and 1% for care insurance.

Does the United States have the highest income tax rate in the world? ›

Again according to the OECD, the country with the highest national income tax rate is the Netherlands at 52 percent, more than 12 percentage points higher than the U.S. top federal individual income rate of 39.6 percent.

Does America have the highest taxes? ›

State Sales Tax: Highest in the Nation

These rates are a combination of state and local taxes. At the state level, California levies a 7.25 percent general sales and use tax, the highest statewide rate in the nation.

Do US citizens living in UK pay U.S. taxes? ›

Do US expats living in the UK also have to file US taxes? Yes, due to the US's citizenship-based taxation system, all US citizens and permanent residents must report their worldwide income.

What is Canada's tax rate? ›

These were the tax rates in 2022. The tax rates are: 15%, 20.5%, 26%, 29%, and 33%. Let's say you're a student who worked part-time over the winter and spring, and you made $10,000. Your income would be in the first bracket, and your tax rate would be 15%.

Why is Sweden's tax rate so high? ›

Scandinavian countries provide a broader scope of public services—such as universal healthcare and higher education—than the United States. However, such programs necessitate higher levels of taxation, which is reflected in Scandinavia's relatively high tax-to-GDP ratios.

What is the tax rate in Germany compared to the US? ›

As shown in the figure, the overall tax burden on wages is roughly 17% higher in Germany than in the U.S. While social security contributions (employer and employee) account for less than half of the U.S. wage tax burden, they account for more than two-thirds in Germany.

What countries have no income tax? ›

There are currently 14 countries with zero income tax in the world. Among them are the following: Antigua and Barbuda, St Kitts and Nevis, UAE, Vanuatu, Brunei, Bahrain, the Bahamas, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Monaco, Kuwait, Qatar, Somalia, and Western Sahara.

What country has the lowest taxes? ›

Key Takeaways. Bermuda, Monaco, the Bahamas, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are four countries that do not have personal income taxes. If you renounce your U.S. citizenship, you may end up paying a tax penalty called an expatriation tax.

Do any countries tax the rich? ›

Although, as of 2021, only five of the 36 OECD countries still continue to implement the wealth tax on individuals. The five countries are Colombia, France, Norway, Spain and Switzerland.

Who is richer England or Germany? ›

Download Table Data
CountryGDP (IMF '20)GDP (UN '16)
Germany$3.84 Tn$3.48 Tn
United Kingdom$2.76 Tn$2.65 Tn
France$2.62 Tn$2.47 Tn
Italy$1.89 Tn$1.86 Tn
40 more rows

Is it cheaper to live in Germany or UK? ›

As a general rule, you will find that the costs of living are cheaper in Germany than in the UK, but there are always exceptions to these rules. If you are moving from an affordable rural location in the UK to a large city in Germany, for example, you may find that your living costs go up.

Why does the US tax so much? ›

The majority of federal taxes goes toward public programs as well as national defense. The major categories include Social Security, the army, medical aid, income security, and the health of citizens.

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