Calculation of capital gains on shares when the cost of purchase is unknown



Quick Summary
Calculating capital gains on shares can be tricky if you don't know the original purchase cost. A common method is to use the Fair Market Value (FMV) of the shares as of 31st January 2018 as your cost of acquisition. You can find this FMV from sources like stock exchange websites. Once you have this value, you can calculate your capital gains by subtracting this cost from your selling price, and then apply the relevant short-term or long-term capital gains tax rate.

Calculating capital gains on shares when the cost of purchase is unknown can be challenging. However, there are a few methods you can use to determine the cost of acquisition and calculate the capital gains. Here's a general approach:

1. Determine the fair market value (FMV) as of 31st January 2018

If the shares were held in physical form, you can consider the FMV of the shares as on 31st January 2018 as the cost of acquisition. The FMV can be obtained from reliable sources like stock exchange websites or financial newspapers for the respective date.

Calculate Capital Gains on Shares with Unknown Purchase Cost

2. Calculate the capital gains

Once you have the FMV, you can calculate the capital gains using the following formula: Capital Gains = Selling Price - Cost of Acquisition

Here, the selling price is the amount for which you sold the shares, and the cost of acquisition is the FMV determined as of 31st January 2018.

 

3. Apply the relevant tax rate

Depending on the holding period of the shares, the capital gains may be classified as either short-term or long-term. Short-term capital gains are usually taxed at a higher rate than long-term capital gains. Determine the applicable tax rate as per the tax laws.

4. Pay the applicable taxes 

Calculate the tax liability by applying the appropriate tax rate to the capital gains.

 

FAQ :

The main challenge is when the original cost of purchasing the shares is unknown.

You can use the Fair Market Value (FMV) of the shares as of 31st January 2018 as the cost of acquisition.

You can obtain the FMV from reliable sources such as stock exchange websites or financial newspapers for the respective date.

Capital Gains = Selling Price - Cost of Acquisition.

Capital gains are classified as either short-term or long-term, depending on the holding period of the shares, and are taxed at different rates.




About the Author

Semi Qualified CA

Hello All, My name is NIKITA AGARWAL. I have completed my articleship. I am having experience of Income tax, GST, ROC fillings, statutory Audit, Internal Audit, Stock Audit etc

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