what is a Capital Gain
Capital gain is the profit realized from the sale of an asset such
as a stock, bond, real estate, or other investment. It is calculated by subtracting
the cost of the asset (also known as the “basis”) from the sale price. If the sale
price is higher than the cost of the asset, the difference is considered a capital
gain.
Capital gains can be short-term or long-term, depending on how long
the asset was held before it was sold. Short-term capital gains are realized when an
asset is sold within one year of the purchase date, and they are taxed at the
individual’s marginal income tax rate. Long-term capital gains are realized when an
asset is held for more than one year before it is sold, and they are typically taxed
at a lower rate than short-term capital gains.
In addition, some assets are considered short-term capital
assets if they are held for less than 12 months.
Stocks of recognized organizations listed on the Indian Stock
Exchange.
Securities such as bonds and corporate bonds listed on the
Indian Stock Exchange.
UTI unit, cited or not.
Capital gains on equity-oriented mutual funds with or without
quotes.
Capital Gains Calculation
To calculate capital gains, you must be familiar with some important
terms.
Acquisition Cost (COA): the value or value at which the asset
was acquired. Indexed acquisition costs are taken into account for calculating the
capital gains of assets, for which the benefits of indexing are recognized.
Improvement Cost (COI): Money spent on changing or improving a
property. This only applies if you spend after 1 April 2001. For some assets, such
as real estate, indexed costs of improvements are considered.
UTI unit, cited or not.
Inflation Index (CII): An index of inflation that affects the
value of long-term assets. Whenever CII is issued by the government and the benefits
of sequencing are allowed, you should calculate the indexed acquisition cost or
sequencing improvement cost.
Sales Cost (CoS): The costs required for the sale of an asset.
Costs to be recorded as sales costs depend on the type of property. For example, in
the case of stocks, brokerage fees and securities transaction tax (STT) are
considered selling costs. For land, this can be brokerage charges, stamp fees,
travel expenses and some inheritance costs.
[INVESTMENT
SECURITY OR RISK MITIGATION IS ONE OF THE MAJOR OBJECTIVES OF PORTFOLIO
MANAGEMENT.]