My wife and I have a joint trading account but wish to transfer the shares out and operate as two individual accounts. Will this instigate a CGT event? Or because we both own 50% will it be considered transferring the shares to the same entity?
This is a CGT event = disposal of half of each 50% holding, at market value.
This is a CGT event = disposal of half of each 50% holding, at market value.
I usually agree with @Bruce4Tax. He frequently/usually/often gives good answers.
However I detect an opportunity for a potentially different answer.
Or perhaps I understand the question differently. (Ask better questions, get better answers.)
IF shares (or property) is/are held in joint names, this is regarded as 50/50 each for CGT purposes.
IF those jointly held shares are transferred off-market with 50% to each of the (now previous) joint holders, I believe there is no disposal.
In this circumstance, 50% of the original cost base, and original date of acquisition, will apply to each person.
I'm afraid, @Ken_Oath, that you can't do what you've suggested. For an in-specie transfer, the name of the account is what matters - the joint account (holder = A&B) and each individual accounts (one with holder = A and another with B) are not "the same entity". You should follow the advice from @Bruce4Tax.
15 Apr 2026 · 4 min read time
15 Apr 2026 · 8 min read time
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